ARISE! YOUR LIGHT HAS COME

Epiphany (shining forth, appearing) observes the manifestation of Christ to all the nations of the world.  In the Sundays of the Epiphany season we see Christ as our light, our revealer.  What these epiphanies have to say to us is that looking with discerning eye and listening with discriminating ear, we can perceive God behind, above, within, around, and below the world all about us.  In Epiphany we begin to see more and more of Jesus, from his baptism in the Jordan River to his transfiguration on the mountain.  Christ is the coming of the light and the power of the light to draw us to God.  This light will unveil evil even as it reveals the goodness and glory of God; God’s unstoppable love for us.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism,

we are gathered in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

the holy Trinity, one God,

the fountain of living water,

the rock who gave us birth,

our light and our salvation.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,

we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Let us  give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Pastor: We give you thanks, O God,

for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters

and by your Word you created the world,

calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

You led Israel safely through the Sea from slavery into freedom and the land of promise.

In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed your beloved one.

By water, your Word, and the Spirit you claim us as your daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

Through this water remind us of our baptism.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,

and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit,

and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

People: Blessed be God,

who gives us life with all creation,

joins us to the saving death of Christ,

and raises us to new life by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

HYMN FOR THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY

“We Are Marching In the Light of God”

[click on the link below]

We are marching in the light of God, 

We are marching in the light of God.

We are marching in the light of God

We are marching in the light of God.

We are marching, we are marching, ooooh

We are marching in the light of God

We are marching, we are marching, ooooh

We are marching in the light of God

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor: The light and love of God,

who wonderfully made you,

who graciously redeemed you,

who calls you each by name,

be with you all.

People: And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People: And also with you. 

Pastor:  Let us pray

People: Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint.  Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.   Amen.

WORD

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

FIRST READING:  Isaiah 40:21-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
   Has it not been told you from the beginning?
   Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
   and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
   and spreads them like a tent to live in;
who brings princes to naught,
   and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. 

Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
   scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
when he blows upon them, and they wither,
   and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 

To whom then will you compare me,
   or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
   Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
   calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
   mighty in power,
   not one is missing. 

Why do you say, O Jacob,
   and speak, O Israel,
‘My way is hidden from the Lord,
   and my right is disregarded by my God’?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
   his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
   and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
   and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
   they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,
   they shall walk and not faint. 

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 9: 16-23

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe betide me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. 

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

Mark 1:29-39

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.’ And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. 

Pastor:   The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“We Come To You For Healing, Lord”

[click on the link below]

We come to you for healing, Lord, of body mind and soul,

and pray that by your Spirit’s touch we may again be whole.

As once you walked through ancient streets and reached toward those in pain,

come, risen Christ, among us still with power to heal again.

You touch us through physicians’ skills, through nurses gifts of care,

and through the love of faithful friends who lift our lives in prayer.

When nights are long with wakefulness, through days when strength runs low,

grant us your gift of patience Lord, your calming peace to know.

We come to you, O loving Lord, in our distress and pain,

in trust that through our nights and days your grace will heal, sustain.

APOSTLES’ CREED

Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

All:       I believe in God, the Father, Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

              I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

      and the life everlasting. Amen.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister), the family of Mary Anderson (Evelyn Robson’s mother).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, the people and government of the United States caught up in post-election violence and insurrection, 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 threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As we see and hear the promises of God revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, let us pray for all people and the whole creation that the light of Christ’s grace and mercy shine upon all , saying, “O Christ, our light and life,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  God of new life, place in the mouths of your disciples the good news of healing and salvation in Christ.  Place in our hands your steadfast love for service that we might be able to help in many ways, so that all may know your care.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:   Sustaining God, where the earth is exhausted by our demands and the air and waters are polluted with our waste, bring rest to creation and restore the health of your creatures so that all creation might praise and serve you.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:  God of surprising grace, give us boldness and faith to embrace the insecurities of our life together.  Come to us and be with us in our decisions made even in ambiguity and uncertainty.  Send your Spirit and work through us even when we are uncertain in our trust and unsure of the path we take.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Pastor:   Compassionate God, bind and make whole those who have broken bodies and hearts.  Comfort those who hurt and grieve, relieve those who worry or are depressed, restore those who are sick, give endurance to those who struggle is unrelenting. We remember especially before you …  Bring healing, courage, and hope into their lives. O Christ, our light and life… 

Petitioner:  Almighty God, provide shelter for those without homes.  Grant protection to those who live on the street, provide safety for all refugees.  Raise up leaders who reach out to those suffering war, terror, famine, and persecution and who value justice and the well-being of their citizens more than power and economic profit. O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:  God of wholeness, renew your people through our baptism from our fevered lives of sin and evil.  When we are frantic, troubled, or feeling powerless breathe your Spirit into us, lead us into quiet places of prayer, that, restored by your peace, we gladly serve you and our neighbours in our daily lives.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:   We give thanks to you, O God, for the greatest of epiphanies in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May it be the source of our hope, a guide for our lives, and the power that enables us to sing, to pray, to hear the Gospel, and to love our neighbour.  O Christ, our  light and life …  

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.
God of all creation,

People: with great joy we worship you and lay before you these gifts.

Use what we have gathered here

in feeding the hungry world with your love.

Let our lives serve you only,

and lead us always to our dearest treasure,

Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the life of all. 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:  May Christ, whose epiphany revealed God’s glory to the world,

deepen your faith and make your hearts glad.

God’s blessing be with you,

Christ’s peace be with you,

the Spirit’s outpouring of love be with you, now and always.

People: Amen

CLOSING HYMN

“Christ Be Our Light ”

[click on the link below]

Longing for light, we wait in darkness.

Longing for truth, we turn to you.

Make us your own, your holy people,

light for the world to see.

Refrain:

Christ ,be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.

Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.

Longing for hope, many despair.

Your word alone has power to save us.

Make us your living voice.

Refrain.

Longing for food, many are hungry.

Longing for water, many still thirst.

Make us your bread, broken for others,

shared until all are fed.

Refrain.

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.

Longing for warmth, many are cold.

Make us your building, sheltering others,

walls made of living stone.

Refrain.

Many the gifts, many the people,

many the hearts that yearn to belong.

Let us be servants to one another,

signs of your kingdom come.

Refrain.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go forth as light into the world.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the high level of COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province, at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations continue to suspend all in person worship services until a time when it is safe to gather together.   King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through March 2021. Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

 Sunday, February 7, King of Glory online Worship service.

 Sunday, February 14, Good Shepherd provides an online Worship service for all seven ELCIC congregations.

 Wednesday, February 17, King of Glory provides an online Ash Wednesday Worship service for all seven ELCIC congregations.

  Sunday, February 21, King of Glory online Worship service.  

– Sunday, February 28, King of Glory online Worship service. 

 Wednesday, March 24, Church Council meets via ZOOM at 7:30 p.m.

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,180.50     Weekly Budget:  $964.73

2020 income/expenses: $3,165.38

December income/expenses: $2,270.58

Contributions from January 10 through January 31: $5750

Offerings.  

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

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Karen McKenzie for preparing the charitable contribution receipts.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

 ARISE! YOUR LIGHT HAS COME

Epiphany (shining forth, appearing) observes the manifestation of Christ to all the nations of the world.  In the Sundays of the Epiphany season we see Christ as our light, our revealer.  What these epiphanies have to say to us is that looking with discerning eye and listening with discriminating ear, we can perceive God behind, above, within, around, and below the world all about us.  In Epiphany we begin to see more and more of Jesus, from his baptism in the Jordan River to his transfiguration on the mountain.  Christ is the coming of the light and the power of the light to draw us to God.  This light will unveil evil even as it reveals the goodness and glory of God; God’s unstoppable love for us.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism,

we are gathered in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

the holy Trinity, one God,

the fountain of living water,

the rock who gave us birth,

our light and our salvation.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,

we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Let us  give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Pastor: We give you thanks, O God,

for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters

and by your Word you created the world,

calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

You led Israel safely through the Sea from slavery into freedom and the land of promise.

In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed your beloved one.

By water, your Word, and the Spirit you claim us as your daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

Through this water remind us of our baptism.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,

and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit,

and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

People: Blessed be God,

who gives us life with all creation,

joins us to the saving death of Christ,

and raises us to new life by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

HYMN FOR THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY

“Walk In The Light ”

[click on the link below]

Walk in the Light

Beautiful Light

Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright

Shine all around us by day and by night

Jesus, the Light of the world.

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor: The light and love of God,

who wonderfully made you,

who graciously redeemed you,

who calls you each by name,

be with you all.

People: And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People: And also with you. 

Pastor:  Let us pray

People: Compassionate God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior.  Bring wholeness to all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.   Amen.

WORD

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

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: ‘If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.’ Then the Lord replied to me: ‘They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.’ 

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13

Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. 

Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘no idol in the world really exists’, and that ‘there is no God but one.’ Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 

It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. ‘Food will not bring us close to God.’ We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

Mark 1:21-28

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. 

Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Healer of Our Every Ill”

[click on the link below]

Refrain

Healer of our every ill,

light of each tomorrow,

give us peace beyond our fear,

and hope beyond our sorrow.

You who know our fears and sadness,

grace us with your peace and gladness;

Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts.  Refrain.

In the pain and joy beholding

how your grace is still unfolding,

give us all your vision, God of love.  Refrain.

Give us strength to love each other,

every sister, every brother,

Spirit of all kindness be our guide.  Refrain.

You who know each thought and feeling,

teach us all your way of healing;

Spirit of compassion fill each heart.  Refrain.

APOSTLES’ CREED

Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

All:       I believe in God, the Father, Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

              I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

      and the life everlasting. Amen.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, the people and government of the United States caught up in post-election violence and insurrection, 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 threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As we see and hear the promises of God revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, let us pray for all people and the whole creation that the light of Christ’s grace and mercy shine upon all , saying, “O Christ, our light and life,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  God of new life, you dwell among your assembled people, and your love builds up the community of believers.  Help us to welcome the stranger into our midst with graciousness, and make us bold in words and deeds to proclaim the good news of your redeeming love.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:   Sustaining God, by your word creation came into being. Speak to us by your Spirit when creation is groaning for rescue and relief.  Heal the soil, water, air, so that all your creatures flourish.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:  Inviting God, continue to uphold this community of faith to find our wisdom and strength in the weakness of the cross, to proclaim Christ crucified, and to reach out to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you for the sake of  those who are poor, hungry, homeless, or easily overlooked.  O Christ, our light and life …

Pastor:   Compassionate God, bring healing to the lives of people who are caught up in brokenness.  Comfort those who hurt and grieve, relieve those who worry or are depressed, restore those who are sick. We remember especially before you …  Speak wholeness and healing into their lives.  O Christ, our light and life… 

Petitioner:  Almighty God, your works are faithfulness and justice. Guide all those in authority to seek the peace and to protect the peoples and lands who are in their care.  Assist all public servants and those in public health, especially those involved in vaccinations.  Move them beyond any partisan divisions to seek justice and to work for the health and well-being of all people and all creation.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:  God of wholeness, renew your people through our baptism when we are paralyzed by sin and evil.  Breathe your Word into us, that we may speak with authority and act with strength where those working against your love are most oppressive and human hearts yearn for dignity and compassion. Deepen our care for one another as we reach out to those who are absent or experiencing difficult circumstances.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:   We give thanks to you, O God, for the greatest of epiphanies in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May it be the source of our hope, a guide for our lives, and the power that enables us to sing, to pray, to hear the Gospel, and to love our neighbour.  O Christ, our  light and life …  

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.
God of all creation,

People: with great joy we worship you and lay before you these gifts.

Use what we have gathered here

in feeding the hungry world with your love.

Let our lives serve you only,

and lead us always to our dearest treasure,

Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the life of all. 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:  May Christ, whose epiphany revealed God’s glory to the world,

deepen your faith and make your hearts glad.

God’s blessing be with you,

Christ’s peace be with you,

the Spirit’s outpouring of love be with you, now and always.

People: Amen

CLOSING HYMN

“Word of God, Come Down to Earth ”

[click on the link below]

Word of God, come down on earth,

living rain from heaven descending;

touch our hearts and bring to birth

faith and hope and love unending.

Word almighty, we revere you;

Word made flesh, we long to hear you.

Word eternal, throned on high,

Word that brought to life creation,

Word that came from heaven to die,

crucified for our salvation,

saving Word, the world restoring,

speak to us, your love outpouring.

Word that speaks God’s tender love,

one with God beyond all telling,

Word that sends us from above

God the Spirit, with us dwelling,

Word of truth, to all truth lead us;

Word of life, with one bread feed us.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go forth as light into the world.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the high level of COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations continue to suspend all in person worship services until a time when it is safe to gather together.  King of Glory’s Church Council will meet to consider this recommendation and decide if we continue to suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website. Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 31, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Wednesday, February 3, Church Council meets via ZOOM at 7:30 p.m.

– Sunday, February 7, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, February 14, Good Shepherd provides an online Worship service for all seven ELCIC congregations.

– Wednesday, February 17, King of Glory provides an online Ash Wednesday Worship service for all seven ELCIC congregations.

– Sunday, February 21, King of Glory online Worship service.  

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,180.50     Weekly Budget:  $964.73

2020 income/expenses: $3,165.38

November income/expenses: $.2,270.58

Contributions from January 10 through January 31: $

Offerings.  

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

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Karen McKenzie for preparing the charitable contribution receipts.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

 ARISE! YOUR LIGHT HAS COME

Epiphany (shining forth, appearing) observes the manifestation of Christ to all the nations of the world.  In the Sundays of the Epiphany season we see Christ as our light, our revealer.  What these epiphanies have to say to us is that looking with discerning eye and listening with discriminating ear, we can perceive God behind, above, within, around, and below the world all about us.  In Epiphany we begin to see more and more of Jesus, from his baptism in the Jordan River to his transfiguration on the mountain.  Christ is the coming of the light and the power of the light to draw us to God.  This light will unveil evil even as it reveals the goodness and glory of God; God’s unstoppable love for us.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism,

we are gathered in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

the holy Trinity, one God,

the fountain of living water,

the rock who gave us birth,

our light and our salvation.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,

we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Let us  give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Pastor: We give you thanks, O God,

for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters

and by your Word you created the world,

calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

You led Israel safely through the Sea from slavery into freedom and the land of promise.

In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed your beloved one.

By water, your Word, and the Spirit you claim us as your daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

Through this water remind us of our baptism.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,

and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit,

and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

People: Blessed be God,

who gives us life with all creation,

joins us to the saving death of Christ,

and raises us to new life by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

HYMN FOR THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY

“Rise, Shine, You People ”

[click on the link below]

Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered

our human story; God in him is centered.

He comes to us, 

by death and surrounded,

with grace unbounded.

See how he sends the powers of evil reeling;

he brings us freedom, light and life and healing.

All men and women,

who by guilt are driven,

now are forgiven.

Come, celebrate; your banners high unfurling,

your songs and prayers against the darkness hurling.

To all the world go out

and tell the story

of Jesus’ glory.

Tell how the Father sent the Son to save us.

Tell of the Son, who life and freedom gave us.

Tell how the Spirit

calls from every nation

God’s new creation.

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor: The light and love of God,

who wonderfully made you,

who graciously redeemed you,

who calls you each by name,

be with you all.

People: And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People: And also with you. 

Pastor:  Let us pray

People: Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service.  Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.   Amen.

WORD

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

FIRST READING:  Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Conversion of Nineveh

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.’ So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. 

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. 

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31

I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on,            let even those who have wives be as though they had none,                                             and those who mourn as though they were not mourning,                                               and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing,                                                          and those who buy as though they had no possessions,                                                          and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it.                   For the present form of this world is passing away. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

Mark 1:14-20

The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ 

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. 

Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore”

[click on the link below]

You have come down to the lakeshore

seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,

but only asking for me to follow.

Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes;

kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.

On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;

now with you, I will seek other seas.

You know full what I have, Lord:

neither treasure nor weapons for conquest,

just these my fish nets and will for working.

Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes;

kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.

On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;

now with you, I will seek other seas.

You need my hands, my exhaustion,

working love for the rest of the weary–

a love that’s willing to go on loving.

Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes;

kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.

On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;

now with you, I will seek other seas.

You who have fished other waters;

you, the longing of souls that are yearning:

O loving Friend, you have come to call me.

Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes;

kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.

On the sand I have abandoned my small boat;

now with you, I will seek other seas.

APOSTLES’ CREED

Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

All:       I believe in God, the Father, Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

              I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

      and the life everlasting. Amen.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, the people and government of the United States caught up in post-election violence and insurrection, 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 threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As we see and hear the promises of God revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, let us pray for all people and the whole creation that the light of Christ’s grace and mercy shine upon all , saying, “O Christ, our light and life,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  God of welcome, move your Church to cast its nets of invitation that others may see the good things you offer in the waters of baptism, in the scriptures, in your holy meal, and in the community of faith, and be caught in the Gospel and caught up with its joy.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:   Sustaining God, all your works are wonderful and marvelously made, and you desire abundant life for all your creatures.  Cast the net of your love over the earth, help us to mend all that is broken, and give hope to those who labour on behalf of the environment.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:  Almighty God, give all governments the wisdom to serve the least of those who are in their care.  Call parliaments, councils, legislatures, congresses, and all governing bodies to put aside divisive rhetoric and partisan rancor. Assist all public servants to seek justice and work for the well-being of all people and all creation.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Pastor:   Compassionate God, bring healing to the lives of people who are caught up in brokenness.  Comfort those who hurt and grieve, relieve those who worry or are depressed, restore those who are sick. We remember especially before you …   Enfold them in the fulness of your grace and love. O Christ, our light and life… 

Petitioner:  Inviting God, guide us by your Spirit of wholeness, that we may recognize in each other the variety of gifts which you give and may use those gifts for the common good of our congregation and community. Bless the commitments and promises we have made to you and to one another to be a people of the Gospel in this place.  Calm our fears, assure us in the midst of uncertainty, give us strength, and keep us celebrating the joy that is ours centred in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:  God of wholeness, you grant unity by your Spirit.  At the close of this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity call your whole Church beyond small hopes and halfhearted witness and inspire the many traditions to find ways for us all to bear witness to Christ together, that all people may see visible signs of unity within your Church.   O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:   We give thanks to you, O God, for the greatest of epiphanies in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May it be the source of our hope, a guide for our lives, and the power that enables us to sing, to pray, to hear the Gospel, and to love our neighbour.  O Christ, our  light and life …  

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.
God of all creation,

People: with great joy we worship you and lay before you these gifts.

Use what we have gathered here

in feeding the hungry world with your love.

Let our lives serve you only,

and lead us always to our dearest treasure,

Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the life of all. 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:  May Christ, whose epiphany revealed God’s glory to the world,

deepen your faith and make your hearts glad.

God’s blessing be with you,

Christ’s peace be with you,

the Spirit’s outpouring of love be with you, now and always.

People: Amen

CLOSING HYMN

“I Want To Walk As A Child of the Light ”

[click on the link below]

I want to walk as a child of the light.

I want to follow Jesus.

God set the stars to give light to the world.

The star of my life is Jesus.

In him there is no darkness at all.

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the brightness of God.

I want to look at Jesus.

Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path,

and show me the way to the Father.

In him there is no darkness at all.

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I’m looking for the coming of Christ.

I want to be with Jesus.

When we have run with patience the race,

we shall know the joy of Jesus.

In him there is no darkness at all.

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go forth as light into the world.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 24, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 31, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, February 7, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, February 14, Good Shepherd provides an online Worship service for all seven      ELCIC congregations.

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $302.15

November income/expenses: -$.2,758.74

Contributions from December 31 through January 10: $1,135

Offerings.  

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

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Karen McKenzie for preparing the charitable contribution receipts.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

 ARISE! YOUR LIGHT HAS COME

Epiphany (shining forth, appearing) observes the manifestation of Christ to all the nations of the world.  In the Sundays of the Epiphany season we see Christ as our light, our revealer.  What these epiphanies have to say to us is that looking with discerning eye and listening with discriminating ear, we can perceive God behind, above, within, around, and below the world all about us.  In Epiphany we begin to see more and more of Jesus, from his baptism in the Jordan River to his transfiguration on the mountain.  Christ is the coming of the light and the power of the light to draw us to God.  This light will unveil evil even as it reveals the goodness and glory of God; God’s unstoppable love for us.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism,

we are gathered in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

the holy Trinity, one God,

the fountain of living water,

the rock who gave us birth,

our light and our salvation.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,

we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Let us  give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Pastor: We give you thanks, O God,

for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters

and by your Word you created the world,

calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

You led Israel safely through the Sea from slavery into freedom and the land of promise.

In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed your beloved one.

By water, your Word, and the Spirit you claim us as your daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

Through this water remind us of our baptism.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,

and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit,

and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

People: Blessed be God,

who gives us life with all creation,

joins us to the saving death of Christ,

and raises us to new life by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

HYMN FOR THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY

 “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”

[click on the link below]

Songs of thankfulness and praise,

Jesus, Lord to thee we raise;

manifested by the star

to the sages from afar,

branch of royal David’s stem

in thy birth at Bethlehem:

anthems be to thee addressed,

God in flesh made manifest.

Manifest at Jordan’s stream,

prophet, priest, and king supreme;

and at Cana wedding guest 

in thy Godhead manifest;

manifest in power divine,

changing water into wine;

anthems be to thee addressed,

God in flesh made manifest.

Manifest in making whole

weakened body, fainting soul;

manifest in valiant fight,

quelling all the devil’s might;

manifest in gracious will,

ever bringing good from ill;

anthems be to thee addressed:

God in flesh made manifest.

Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,

present in thy holy word;

grace to imitate thee now

and be pure, as pure art thou;

that we might become like thee

at thy great epiphany,

and may praise thee, ever blest,

God in flesh made manifest.

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor: The light and love of God,

who wonderfully made you,

who graciously redeemed you,

who calls you each by name,

be with you all.

People: And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People: And also with you. 

Pastor:  Let us pray

People: Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give.  May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORD

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

FIRST READING: 1 Samuel 3:1-20

Samuel’s Calling and Prophetic Activity

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. 

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” ’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house for ever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering for ever.’ 

Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, ‘Samuel, my son.’ He said, ‘Here I am.’ Eli said, ‘What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.’ So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, ‘It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.’ 

As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord. 

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

‘All things are lawful for me’, but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful for me’, but I will not be dominated by anything. ‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’, and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, ‘The two shall be one flesh.’ But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the first chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael  John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ 

Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Will You Come and Follow Me”

[click on the link below]

“Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?

Will you let my life be shown,

will you let my name be known,

will you let my life be grown 

in you and you in me?”

“Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare,

should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer prayer

in you and you in me?”

“Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?

Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?

Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,

and admit to what I mean

in you and you in me?”

“Will you love the love you hid if I but call your name?

Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?

Will you use the faith you’ve found

to reshape the world around,

through my sight and touch and sound

in you and you in me?”

Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.

In your company I’ll go

where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I’ll move and live and grow

in you and you in me.

APOSTLES’ CREED

Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

All:       I believe in God, the Father, Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

              I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

      and the life everlasting. Amen.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, the people of Indonesia in recovery from an earthquake, the people and government of the United States caught up in post-election violence and insurrection, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As we see and hear the promises of God revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, let us pray for all people and the whole creation that the light of Christ’s grace and mercy shine upon all , saying, “O Christ, our light and life,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  Inviting God, you call to people of all ages and places.  Open our ears to your voice, speak, make us attentive to your call.  Give us the will and wisdom that with alertness and joy we will follow where you lead, then send us to point eagerly to the many ways in which you reveal your life-giving presence.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:   Sustaining God, all your works are wonderful and marvelously made, and you desire abundant life for all your creatures.  With tar sands, pipelines, mining, soil depletion, and so many of our practices, help us to mend all that is broken, heal the wounds our carelessness inflicts on creation, and restore the balance of life on earth.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:  Almighty God, you raise up workers for peace and justice.  Guard those who are called to work for justice among nations, ethnic groups, families, and individuals.  We remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and all who make tolerance, understanding and human rights prevail for all who caught up in injustice.  Make us your prophetic voice to speak for all who are oppressed because of color, class, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. May all be led by your righteous hand so that your peace might prevail.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Pastor:   Compassionate God, you know that which troubles all people.  Stay near those who face trials in life, refresh the depressed and despairing, heal the sick, restore to wholeness those suffering loss or brokenness, comfort those who mourn.  We remember especially before you …  Bring them relief from their struggles.  O Christ, our light and life… 

Petitioner:  God of wandering and exile, bless the commitments and promises we have made to you and to one another to be a people of the Gospel in this place.  Calm our fears, assure us in the midst of uncertainty, give us strength, and keep us celebrating the joy that is ours  centred in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:  God of wholeness, you grant unity by your Spirit.  As we look forward to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity inspire the many traditions in the Christian Church to find ways for us all to bear witness to Christ together, that all people may see visible signs of unity within your Church.   O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:   We give thanks to you, O God, for the greatest of epiphanies in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May it be the source of our hope, a guide for our lives, and the power that enables us to sing, to pray, to hear the Gospel, and to love our neighbour.  O Christ, our  light and life …  

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.
God of all creation,

People: with great joy we worship you and lay before you these gifts.

Use what we have gathered here

in feeding the hungry world with your love.

Let our lives serve you only,

and lead us always to our dearest treasure,

Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the life of all. 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:  May Christ, whose epiphany revealed God’s glory to the world,

deepen your faith and make your hearts glad.

God’s blessing be with you,

Christ’s peace be with you,

the Spirit’s outpouring of love be with you, now and always.

People: Amen

CLOSING HYMN

“Take My Life, That I May Be ”

[click on the link below]

Take my life that I may be

consecrated Lord to thee;

take my moments and my days;

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of thy love;

take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only for my King;

take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold,

not a mite would I withhold;

take my intellect, and use

every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is thine own;

it shall by thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure store;

take myself, and I will be

ever, only all for thee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go forth as light into the world.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 17, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 24, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 31, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, February 7, King of Glory online Worship service.

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $302.15

November income/expenses: -$.2,758.74

Contributions from December 31 through January 10: $1,135

Offerings.  

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

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Karen McKenzie for preparing the charitable contribution receipts.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

 ARISE! YOUR LIGHT HAS COME

Epiphany (shining forth, appearing) observes the manifestation of Christ to all the nations of the world.  In the Sundays of the Epiphany season we see Christ as our light, our revealer.  What these epiphanies have to say to us is that looking with discerning eye and listening with discriminating ear, we can perceive God behind, above, within, around, and below the world all about us.  In Epiphany we begin to see more and more of Jesus, from his baptism in the Jordan River to his transfiguration on the mountain.  Christ is the coming of the light and the power of the light to draw us to God.  This light will unveil evil even as it reveals the goodness and glory of God; God’s unstoppable love for us.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism,

we are gathered in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

the holy Trinity, one God,

the fountain of living water,

the rock who gave us birth,

our light and our salvation.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,

we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Let us  give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Pastor: We give you thanks, O God,

for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters

and by your Word you created the world,

calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

You led Israel safely through the Sea from slavery into freedom and the land of promise.

In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed your beloved one.

By water, your Word, and the Spirit you claim us as your daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

Through this water remind us of our baptism.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,

and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit,

and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

People: Blessed be God,

who gives us life with all creation,

joins us to the saving death of Christ,

and raises us to new life by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

HYMN FOR THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY

 “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright”

[click on the link below]

O Morning Star, how fair and bright!

You shine with God’s own truth and light,

aglow with grace and mercy!

Of Jacob’s line, King David’s son,

our Lord and Savior, you have won

our hearts to serve you only!

Lowly, holy!!

Great and glorious,

all victorious,

rich in blessing!

Rule and might o’er all possessing!

Come, precious diamond, light divine,

and deep within our hearts now shine;

there light a flame undying!

In your one body let us be

as living branches of a tree,

your life our lives supplying.

Now, though daily

earth’s deep sadness 

may perplex us 

and distress us,

yet with heav’nly joy you bless us.

Lord, when you look on us in love,

at once there falls from God above

a ray of purest pleasure.

Your word and Spirit, flesh and blood

refresh our souls with heav’nly food.

You are our dearest treasure!

Let your mercy

warm and cheer us!

Oh, draw near us!

For you teach us

God’s own love through you has reached us.

Almighty Father, in your Son

you loved us, when not yet begun

was this old earth’s foundation!

Your Son has ransomed us in love

to live in him here and above:

this is your great salvation.

Alleluia!

Christ the living,

to us giving

life forever, 

keeps us yours and fails us never!

Oh, let the harps break forth in sound!

Our joy be all with music crowned,

our voices gaily blending!

For Christ goes with us all the way–

today, tomorrow, ev’ry day!

His love is never ending!

Sing out!

Ring out!

Jubilation! Exaltation!

Tell the story!

Praise to Christ, who reigns in glory!

What joy to know, when life is past,

the Lord we love is first and last,

the end and the beginning!

He will one day, oh, glorious grace,

transport us to that happy place

beyond all tears and sinning!

Amen!

Amen!

Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness!

We are yearning

for the day of your returning.

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor: The light and love of God,

who wonderfully made you,

who graciously redeemed you,

who calls you each by name,

be with you all.

People: And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People: And also with you. 

Pastor:  Let us pray

People: Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters.  Immerse us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior 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

FIRST READING:  Genesis 1:1-5

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. 

SECOND READING: Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ 

Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Baptized and Set Free”

[click on the link below]

We are people created, chosen by God,

Then we’re washed, ever gently, in mercy and love.

Sin has power no more.  Jesus opened the door

to a fountain bringing healing, and wholeness and more.

We are fed and we’re nourished, filled and refreshed.

Then our hunger returns and again we are blessed.

For whatever the need, God is greater indeed:

endless ocean, always deeper than all of our need.

We are nourished by water, all living things,

and by life that the Spirit abundantly brings.

As we journey toward home, may your presence be known:

precious river, ever flowing, now carry us home.

Now with praise and thanksgiving, we join the song.

All are welcome! We gather to sing loud and strong.

Not enslaved, but set free! From now on, all will be

one in Jesus, one in water, baptized and set free!

APOSTLES’ CREED

Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

All:       I believe in God, the Father, Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

              I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

      and the life everlasting. Amen.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, the people and government of the United States caught up in post-election violence and insurrection, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As we see and hear the promises of God revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, let us pray for all people and the whole creation that the light of Christ’s grace and mercy shine upon all , saying, “O Christ, our light and life,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  O God, who calls us, you have showered us with the grace of baptism. We are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children.  Cause your grace to grow into faith and love, that we might bring all peoples the good news of Christ and serve to meet the needs of all.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:   We pray for all the nations and world leaders and all people caught up in conflict, we especially remember the United States and its post-election violence.  Bless the nations with the power of your peace that all suffering the trauma of war and violence may see your light shining in the darkness and be led by your righteous hand to act with honesty, justice and wisdom for the sake of the peace and security of all people.  O Christ, our light and life …

Petitioner:  Marked with the cross of Christ and splashing in the waters of our Baptism, fill us with joy as we awaken to each new day of grace, celebrating the gifts of creation.  Enlighten us in the ways of holy stewardship, especially honoring the gift of water by caring for oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, creeks, aquifers, and all that you, our Creator, in your goodness have given us.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Pastor:   As nourishing rains and snow renew the parched earth, so bring healing to those who dwell in the desert places of life, those who suffer from illness, loss, and brokenness, or are grieving.  We remember especially before you …  Send your Spirit to illumine their darkness with the light of your healing, comfort, and reassurance.  O Christ, our light and life…

Petitioner:  God of wandering and exile, bless the resolutions, the commitments and promises we have made to you and to one another to be a people of the Gospel in this place.  Calm our fears, assure us in the midst of uncertainty, give us strength, and keep us celebrating the joy that is ours centred in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.  O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:   We pray for our youth and students as they resume classes, that in their lives of challenge, change, and growth toward maturity they may remember the promises of their baptism, the constant and abiding love of God for them, and the calling to care for their friends, peers, and others. O Christ, our light and life … 

Petitioner:   We give thanks to you, O God, for the greatest of epiphanies in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May it be the source of our hope, a guide for our lives, and the power that enables us to sing, to pray, to hear the Gospel, and to love our neighbour.  O Christ, our  light and life …  

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.
God of all creation,

People: with great joy we worship you and lay before you these gifts.

Use what we have gathered here

in feeding the hungry world with your love.

Let our lives serve you only,

and lead us always to our dearest treasure,

Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the life of all. 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:  May Christ, whose epiphany revealed God’s glory to the world,

deepen your faith and make your hearts glad.

God’s blessing be with you,

Christ’s peace be with you,

the Spirit’s outpouring of love be with you, now and always.

People: Amen

CLOSING HYMN

“Wash, O God, Your Sons and Daughters ”

[click on the link below]

Wash, O God, our sons and daughters, 

where your cleansing waters flow.

Number them among your people;

bless as Christ blessed long ago.

Weave them garments bright and sparkling;

compass them with love and light.

Fill, anoint them; send your Spirit,

holy dove and heart’s delight.

We who bring them long for nurture;

by your milk may we be fed.

Let us join your feast, partaking

cup of blessing, living bread.

God, renew us, guide our footsteps;

free from sin and all its snares,

one with Christ in living, dying,

by your Spirit, children, heirs.

Oh, how deep your holy wisdom!

Unimagined, all your ways!

To your name be glory, honor!

With our lives we worship, praise!

We your people stand before you, 

water washed and Spirit born.

By your grace, our lives we offer.

Recreate us; God, transform!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go forth as light into the world.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

 Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service.

 Sunday, January 17, King of Glory online Worship service. 

 Sunday, January 24, King of Glory online Worship service. 

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $302.15

November income/expenses: -$.2,758.74

Contributions from December 3 through December 31: $5,225

Offerings.  

Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.  Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2020 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2020.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

The Quilting Group delivered bedding to The Lighthouse and Interval House in November –

20 Quilts as well as various sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets.  Thank you for your service.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

THE COMING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN HUMAN FORM

OPENING HYMN

 “The First Noel”

[click on the link below]

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:  Jeremiah 31:7-14 

Thus says the Lord:

Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, 

and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;

proclaim, give praise, and say,

“Save, O Lord, your people,

the remnant of Israel.”

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, 

and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, 

among them the blind and the lame, 

those with child and those in labor, together; 

a great company, they shall return here.

With weeping they shall come, 

and with consolations I will lead them back,

I will let them walk by brooks of water, 

in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;

for I have become a father to Israel, 

and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, 

and declare it in the coastlands far away;

say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, 

and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.”

For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, 

and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,

and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,

over the grain, the wine, and the oil

and over the young of the flock and the herd;

their life shall become like a watered garden,

and they shall never languish again.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,

and the young men and the old shall be merry,

I will turn their mourning into joy,

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

I will give the priests their fill of fatness,

and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty.

Reader: This is the Word of Hope and Deliverance.

People: Thanks be to God

 “Go Tell it On The Mountain”

[click on the link below]

SECOND READING:  Ephesians 1:3-14 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in Christ, 

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 

just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world 

to be holy and blameless before him in love.  

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, 

according to the good pleasure of his will, 

to the praise of his glorious grace 

that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  

In him we have redemption through his blood, 

the forgiveness of our trespasses, 

according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.  

With all wisdom and insight 

he has made known to us the mystery of his will, 

according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 

as a plan for the fullness of time, 

to gather up all things in him, 

things in heaven and things on earth.  

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, 

having been destined according to the purpose of him 

who accomplished all things according to his counsel and will, 

so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, 

might live for the praise of his glory.  

In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, 

the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, 

were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 

this is the pledge of our inheritance 

toward redemption as God’s own people, 

to the praise of his glory.

Reader: This is the Word of Promise.

People: Thanks be to God

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

[click on the link below]

THIRD READING:  Matthew 2:1-11

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. 

Reader: This is the Word of joy.

People: Thanks be to God.

“We Three Kings of Orient Are”

[click on the link below]

FOURTH READING:  John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word;

the Word was in God’s presence,

and the Word was God.

He was present with God in the beginning.

Through him all things came into being,

and apart from him not a thing came to be.

That which had come to be in him was life,

and this life was the light of all people.

The light shines on in the darkness,

for the darkness did not overcome it.

(There was sent by God a man named John 

who came as a witness to testify to the light 

so that through him all might believe – but only to testify to the light, 

for he himself was not the light.  

The real light which gives light to everyone 

was coming into the world!)

He was in the world,

and the world was made by him;

yet the world did not recognize him.

To his own he came;

yet his own people did not accept him.

But all those who did accept him

he empowered to become God’s children.

That is, those who believe in his name – those who were begotten, 

not by blood, nor by carnal desire, nor by human desire, 

but by God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us.

And we have seen his glory,

the glory of an only Son coming from the Father,

filled with enduring love.

(John testified to him proclaiming:  

“This is he of whom I said, 

“The one who comes after me ranks ahead of me, for he existed before me.’”)

And of his fullness

we have all had a share –

love in place of love.

For while the Law was a gift through Moses, 

this enduring love came through Jesus Christ.  

No one has ever seen God; 

it is God the only Son, 

ever at the Father’s side, 

who has revealed him.

Reader: Holy Wisdom.  Holy Word.

People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Love Has Come”

[click on the link below]

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As the heavens and earth are filled with the grace and peace of God in the Word made flesh, let us place our needs and our thanksgiving before the Creator of heaven and earth , saying, “God of grace and peace,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  God of light, we pray for your Church around the world as it gathers to worship and is sent to serve, that you would clothe us with your compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, and bind us together with your love, so that we might announce your peace and bring good news to all ends of the earth.   God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:   O God, ruler of the universe, send your holy gift of peace upon our world.  We pray for the world suffering under the darkness of violence, sin and death, that you would guide leaders and all citizens of this earth to desire and to work for the end of hostilities and to bring justice and peace to the whole creation.  Bring freedom and security to exiles, refugees, and those oppressed by harsh governments, terror, and war.  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, rivers, lakes, desert, prairie, farmland, pasture, forest, jungle, mountains, orchards, vineyards, gardens, rocks, hills, and plains, that all of heaven and nature, may sing of your presence and glory.  God of grace and peace …  

Pastor:   O God, source of all life, we pray for all who are in need of comfort, peace, hope, for whom this season is a burden, and for those who fear what the future holds for them.  We remember especially 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 God of light, as you led the magi by a star, as you brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us.  Give birth to hope in the lives of those who find themselves lost or helpless.  Touch all who are burdened by want, loneliness, anxiety, or indecision.  Wherever we go, may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.  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.  Fill us with joyful hope and guide us to have courage amid all the changes and chances of life.  Help us learn from the past and plan for the future, 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, 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.  Grant that in this 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  

“The Bells of Christmas ”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,

the obedience of Joseph,

the joy of the angels,

the eagerness of the shepherds,

the determination of the magi,

and the peace of the Christ child.

Go out with joy to the world.

Serve in the name of Christ

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, January 17, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 24, King of Glory online Worship service. 

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $302.15

November income/expenses: -$.2,758.74

Contributions from December 3 through December 31: $5,225

Offerings.  

Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.  Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2020 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2020.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

The Quilting Group delivered bedding to The Lighthouse and Interval House in November –

20 Quilts as well as various sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets.  Thank you for your service.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 3, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service

COME, LET US WORSHIP CHRIST,

WHO IS BOTH LORD OF TIME AND BORN INTO TIME

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor:  The grace and lovingkindness of our Saviour Jesus Christ

Word made flesh,

born of the Virgin Mary,

be with you all.

People:  And also with you.

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

People:  The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

Pastor:  Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness,

on then light has shined.

People:  We have beheld Christ’s glory,

glory as of the only Son from the Father.

Pastor:  To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

People:  In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

Pastor: Blessed are you, Prince of Peace.

People: You rule the earth with truth and justice.

Pastor: Blessed are you, Son of Mary.

People: You share our humanity.

Pastor: Blessed are you, Son of God.

People: You dwell among us as the Word made flesh.

Pastor: Reveal yourself to us in word and sacrament

People: that we may bear your light to all the world.

Pastor: Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world.

People: By day and night he shines for all to see.

Pastor: Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty

People: that the world may see the justice and richness of God.

Pastor: God so loved the world that God sent Jesus,

People: so that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life.

Pastor: Jesus is the light of the world.

People: Jesus is the light of our lives.

Pastor: Sing to God a new song!

People: A song of hope, joy, and peace around the world.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People:  And also with you. 

Pastor: Let us pray.

People: Gracious God of heaven and earth, 

you have thrown a lifeline to us in our darkness, 

a beam of light that shines through Jesus.

Though born in a manger, he is the firstborn of all creation.  

Though crucified on a cross, he is the Lord of life.  

Fill us with the wonder and joy of his presence in the world and in our hearts. 

Shine into our hearts the light of your wisdom 

and open our minds to the knowledge of your Word, 

that in all things we may think and act according to your good will 

and may live continually in the light of your Son, Jesus Christ, 

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and forever.  

Amen.

WORD

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

FIRST READING:  Psalm 98  

O sing to the Lord a new song,

for he has done marvelous things.

His right hand and his holy arm

have gotten him the victory.

The Lord has made known his victory;

he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.

He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness

to the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the victory of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;

break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,

with the lyre and the sound of melody.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

the world and those who live in it.

Let the floods clap their hands;

let the hills sing together for joy

at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming

to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness,

and the peoples with equity.

Reader: This is the Word of Praise and Thanksgiving.

People: Thanks be to God

 “Joy To The World”

[click on the link below]

SECOND READING:  Isaiah 63:7-9

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,

the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,

because of all that the Lord has done for us,

and the great favor to the house of Israel

that he has shown them according to his mercy,

according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

For he said, “Surely they are my people,

children who will not deal falsely”;

and he became their savior

in all their distress.

It was no messenger or angel

but his presence that saved them;

in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;

he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Reader: This is the Word of hope.

People: Thanks be to God.

“In the Bleak Midwinter”

[click on the link below]

THIRD READING  Luke 2:8-14

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ 

Reader: This is the Word of joy.

People: Thanks be to God.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

[click on the link below]

FOURTH READING:  Luke 2:15-21

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Reader: This is the Word of celebration.

People: Thanks be to God.

 “Carol at the Manger”

[click on the link below]

FIFTH READING:  Luke 2:21-40

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for the revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, 

“This child is destined for the falling 

and the rising of many in Israel, 

and to be a sign that will be opposed

so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed;

and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four.  She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.  At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.  The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

.

Reader: This is the Word of Holy Wisdom and understanding.

People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Good Christian Friends Rejoice”

[click on the link below]

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Hildegard Schneider (Renita Falkenstern’s mother), the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Mabel Zolotarchuk (Circle West member), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As the heavens and earth are filled with the grace and peace of God in the Word made flesh, let us place our needs and our thanksgiving before the Creator of heaven and earth , saying, “God of grace and peace,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  God of light, we pray for your Church around the world as it gathers to worship and is sent to serve, that you would clothe us with your compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, and bind us together with your love, so that we might announce your peace and bring good news to all ends of the earth.   God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:   O God, ruler of the universe, send your holy gift of peace upon our world.  We pray that nation shall not rise up against nation.  Break the rod of the oppressor.  Make the leaders of nations, provinces, and communities to be lovers of goodness and truth, that all within the global and local community may be nurtured and protected.  God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:  O God, provider for all creation, may every season work for your good purpose.  Enlighten people everywhere to respect and care for the gift of creation, so that seas, hills, and all the earth may joyfully sing of your presence and glory.  God of grace and peace …  

Pastor:   O God, source of all life, comfort those who suffer with sickness, who are beset with anxiety and depression, who are mourning, and who feel alone.  We remember especially before you ….   Embraced by your steadfast love, heal them of anything that would prevent them from trusting in your saving power.  God of grace and peace…

Petitioner:   O God, who chose to dwell among us, we pray for our congregation, that in all decisions and actions of the New Year we might be mindful of our calling as your children through baptism.  Shape us into a people that live and serve as those who have received the Spirit of Christ in our hearts.  God of grace and peace … 

Petitioner:  O God, guardian of our lives, be with and protect all those who choose to travel or to gather with family and friends.  Be with those who work and those who rest during these days of Christmas celebration and New Year festivities.  Let the grace and love of Christ and the hospitality of the people of faith be with all as we meet with one another through phone, facetime, internet, Skype or ZOOM throughout this season.  God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:   O God, guide of time and history, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love.  Help us to ponder with Mary, Simeon, and Anna all that you have done for us and fill us with hope and joy. Grant that in this coming New Year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event which gives us joy forever — the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  God of grace and peace …  

Pastor:  Receive our prayers, gracious God, and fill us with hope as we behold your presence among us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People:  Amen.

THANKSGIVING

THE COMMUNITY PRAISES GOD FOR THE GRACIOUS GIFTS OF
 CREATION AND THE SAVING DEEDS OF JESUS CHRIST

THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE

Pastor: Since we are forgiven and renewed by God’s Spirit, let us also be reconciled with one another and share the Peace of the Lord.  

The peace of Christ be with you always.

People: And also with you.

(The congregation greets one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
“Christ’s peace be with you.”)

THE OFFERING

(We worship God with the offering of our selves, our time, our talents, and our possessions.)

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray.
Good and loving God,

People: we rejoice in the birth of Jesus,

who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.

Bless the gifts we offer this day,

and let them be blessings for others.

With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven,

we shout for joy at the coming of your Son.  Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Pastor: Let us pray with confidence in the words our Saviour gave us:

People: Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

  on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

  who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

SENDING

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

Pastor: It is you, loving God, who lights our path with truth.

People: Your word, Jesus is truth.

Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger

People: to gather in wonder with the shepherds.

Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger

People: to kneel in reverence with the wise ones.

Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger

People: to sing for joy with the angels.

Pastor: In the brightness of his life

People: cast away the darkness of injustice, poverty, and hunger in the world.

Pastor: It is you, loving God, who meets us on our way.

People: In the light of Jesus, show the world the way of life.

Pastor: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

People: Praise God, all creatures here below!

Pastor: You are the shepherds telling the story.

People: We tell it in the streets and across the land.

Pastor: You are the wise ones worshiping with thanksgiving.

People: We worship with gifts of song and service, talents and treasures.

Pastor: You are the angels announcing peace.

People: We live with joy and go now in peace.

BENEDICTION

Pastor: May Christ, born into time to bring endless peace,

guide your days and years in righteousness

from this time onward and forevermore;

and the blessing of almighty God,

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN  

“O Come, All Ye Faithful ”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,

the obedience of Joseph,

the joy of the angels,

the eagerness of the shepherds,

the determination of the magi,

and the peace of the Christ child.

Go out with joy to the world.

Serve in the name of Christ

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 3, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service.

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $1,983.88

September income/expenses: $3,356.23.

Contributions from November 1 through December 3: $2295

Offerings.  

Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.  Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2020 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2020.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

The Quilting Group delivered bedding to The Lighthouse and Interval House in November –

20 Quilts as well as various sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets.  Thank you for your service.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …

WELCOME, EMMANUEL

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.  Come let us worship God. 

“O Come, All Ye Faithful ”

[click on the link below]

Pastor:  O God, we come filled with excitement to hear again the Christmas story, on this holiest of nights. Open wide the crowded inns of our hearts, that we may see with new eyes, what happened that night so long ago. Open our ears that we may hear your voice in the voices of sheep and cattle, shepherds and angels, Mary, Joseph, and the babe in a manger. Fill us with wonder and mystery that we may experience your presence with us now, we pray. Amen.

People:  O Lord our God, with Mary and Joseph, angels and shepherds, and the animals in the stable, we gather around your Son born for us.  Bless us with your presence, and inspire us to remember all those who have no place to dwell.  Be with us that we might share Christ’s love with all the world, for he is our light and salvation.  Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever.  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 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
   and all the garments rolled in blood
   shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
   and
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 

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]

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Hildegard Schneider (Renita Falkenstern’s mother), the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Mabel Zolotarchuk (Circle West member), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Leader:  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.”

Leader: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 …

Leader: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 …

Leader:We pray for all who are in need of comfort, peace, hope, and for whom this season is a burden.  We pray 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…

Leader: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 are 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 … 

Leader:  Enlighten people everywhere to respect and care for the gift of creation, so that seas, hills, and all the earth may sing of your presence and glory.  God of grace and peace …  

Leader:  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

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG

– Thursday, December 24, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, December 27, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 3, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service. 

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

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

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $1,983.88

September income/expenses: $3,356.23.

Contributions from November 1 through December 3: $2295

Offerings.  

Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.  Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2020 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2020.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

The Quilting Group delivered bedding to The Lighthouse and Interval House in November –

20 Quilts as well as various sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets.  Thank you for your service.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …