WELCOME

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

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

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

and for brightness, 

but we walk in gloom.  

C:  We grope like those who have no eyes; 

we stumble at noon as in the twilight.

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

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

L:  Open our eyes, Lord,

      especially if they are half-shut

because we are tired of looking,

C:  or half open

          because we fear to see too much,

L:  or bleared with tears

because yesterday and today and tomorrow

are filled with the same pain,

C:  or contracted,

because we only look at what we want to see.

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

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

L:  Open our eyes, Lord,

to gently scan the life we lead,

the home we have,

the world we inhabit,

C:  and so to find,

among the grime and the greyness,

signs of hope we can fasten on and encourage.

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

    and the light around me become night,” 

C:  even the darkness is not dark to you; 

  the night is as bright as the day, 

for darkness is as light to you.

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

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

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

a bigger vision of what you can do

even with hopeless cases and lost causes

and people of limited ability.

C:  Show us the world as in your sight,

riddled by debt, deceit and disbelief,

yet also

shot through with possibility

for recovery, renewal, redemption.

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

today, tomorrow, this week,

open our eyes to one person

or one place,

where we – being even for a moment prophetic –

might identify and wean a potential in the waiting.

C:  And with all this,

open our eyes, in yearning, for Jesus.

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

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

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

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

light has dawned.

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

be light in our darkness. 

On the mountains,

in the cities,

through the corridors of power

and the streets of despair,

to help, to heal,

to confront, to convert,

O come, O come, Immanuel.

OPENING PRAYER

L:  God of compassion and consolation, 

hear our prayer in this Advent Season 

for ourselves, our families, our friends,

and those who live among us 

who live with the painful memories and circumstances of loss.  

We ask for strength for today, 

courage for tomorrow, 

and peace for the past.  

We ask these things in the name of Christ our Lord 

who shares our life in joy and sorrow, 

death and new birth, 

despair and promise.

C:  Amen.

BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

[click on the link below]

Fourth Sunday in Advent

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

In your Son, Emmanuel,

you have shown us your light

and saved us from the power of sin.

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

Increase our longing for your presence,

that at the celebration of your Son’s birth

his Spirit might dwell anew in our midst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

SONG DURING THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

“He Came Down ”

[click on the link below]

SCRIPTURE READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

A reading of Psalm 13

How long, O Lord?

Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I bear pain in my soul,

and have sorrow in my heart all day long?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!

Give light to my eyes,

or I will sleep the sleep of death,

and my enemy will say,

“I have prevailed”;

my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.

But I trusted in your steadfast love;

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation,

I will sing to the Lord,

because he has dealt bountifully with me.

L:  This is the Word of Hope.

C:  Thanks be to God. 

“Lost In The Night ”

[click on the link below]

Silence for personal meditation

L:  Let us pray:

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

A reading from the prophet Isaiah 35:5-10

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

And the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then the lame shall leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool,

and the thirsty ground springs of water;

the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,

the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there,

and it shall be called the Holy Way;

the unclean shall not travel on it,

but it shall be for God’s people;

no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

No lion shall be there,

nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

they shall not be found there,

but the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,

and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

L:  This is the Word of Joy.

C:  Thanks be to God.

“Come, Now, O Prince of Peace ”

[click on the link below]

Silence for personal meditation

L:  Let us pray:

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

A reading from the Gospel according to Luke 1: 46-55

And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on

the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations

will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done

great things for me,

and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud 

in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down

the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

he has filled the hungry with good things;

and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise his made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

L: This is the Word of Life.

C: Thanks be to God.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Canticle of the Turning”

[click on the link below]

L:  Let us pray:

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

A LITANY OF REMEMBERING AND LIGHT

[click on the link below]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INVITATION TO LIGHT CANDLES

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

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

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

“Nothing Can Trouble ”

[click on the link below]

PRAYERS

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

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

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

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

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

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

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

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

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

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

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

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

C:  Amen.

THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE

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

People: And also with you.

THE OFFERING

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

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray.
Gracious God,

People: you have done great things for us,

and holy is your name.

Bless all we offer you —

our selves, our time, and our possessions.

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

until the coming of your Son,

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.  Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

People: Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

  on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

  who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for the Night

Pastor: Let us pray.

Lord,

it is night.

The night is for stillness.

Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is a long night after a brief day.

What has been done has been done;

what has not been done has not been done;

let it be.

The night is dark.

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

rest in you.

The night is quiet.

Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,

all dear to us,

and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.

Let us look expectantly to a new day,

new joys,

new possibilities.

In your name we pray.

People: Amen.

(A New Zealand Prayer Book, 184)

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

CLOSING HYMN

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ”

[click on the link below]

SENDING

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

BLESSING

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

People:  Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: God of the watching ones,

the waiting ones,

the slow and suffering ones,

the angels in heaven,

the child in the womb,

People:  You have given us your benediction

your Good Word for our souls,

that we might rest and rise

in the assurance of your company.

Thanks be to God.

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 …

OH COME, EMMANUEL

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

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

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

People:  Amen. 

Pastor: A voice cries in the wilderness:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

and all flesh shall see it together.”

People: A voice says, “Cry!”

And I said, “What shall I cry ?”

All flesh is grass,

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

The grass withers,

the flower fades,

when the breath of the Lord blows upon it.

Pastor: The grass withers,

the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Therefore, let us confidently draw near

and confess our sins before God.

(Pause for silent confession.)

Pastor: Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

God is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

God does not faint or grow weary;

God’s understanding is unsearchable;

God gives power to the faint,

and to you who have no might,

strength shall be given.

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

we shall mount up with wings like eagles,

we shall run and not be weary,

we shall walk and not faint.

GATHERING

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People:  And also with you. 

Pastor: Let us pray together.

People:  Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.   By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, whom with you and the Holy Spirit we worship and praise, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORD

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

BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

First Sunday in Advent

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

You call all nations to walk in your light

and to seek your ways of justice and peace,

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

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

Rouse us from sleep,

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

and welcome him into our hearts and homes,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

[click on the link below]

Second Sunday in Advent

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

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

for the kingdom of heaven is near.

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

Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit,

that we may be a light shining in the darkness

welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent

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

Your prophets spoke of a day when the desert would blossom

and waters would break forth in the wilderness.

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

Strengthen our hearts

as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.

May he give water to all who thirst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

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

In your Son, Emmanuel,

you have shown us your light

and saved us from the power of sin.

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

Increase our longing for your presence,

that at the celebration of your Son’s birth

his Spirit might dwell anew in our midst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

SONG DURING THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

“He Came Down ”

[click on the link below]

FIRST READING:  Isaiah 40:1-11

God’s People Are Comforted

Comfort, O comfort my people,
   says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
   and cry to her
that she has served her term,
   that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
   double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
   make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
   and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
   and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
   and all people shall see it together,
   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’
A voice says, ‘Cry out!’
   And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’
All people are grass,
   their constancy is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
   when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
   surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades;
   but the word of our God will stand for ever.
Get you up to a high mountain,
   O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
   O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
   lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
   ‘Here is your God!’
See, the Lord God comes with might,
   and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
   and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
   he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
   and gently lead the mother sheep. 

SECOND READING: 2 Peter 3:8-15a

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. 

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. 

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. 

GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight” ’,
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.’ 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“There’s A Voice In The Wilderness Crying”

[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 refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos, 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 suffering from hurricanes Laura, Sally, Delta and tropical storms Beta, Zeta and Eta,  the people in the Philippines impacted by typhoon and in India by cyclone, 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, students, teachers, and staff as they continue in school, 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:  “REVEAL YOUR MERCY.”]

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

Petitioner:  O Wisdom, come! Deliver your people, captive to sin, in an exodus more magnificent than the exodus from Egypt.  With patience and gentleness guide your people into lives of faithfulness and lead them out into the world with lives of love and service.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, come!  Turn the hearts of the leaders of the world and the leaders of this nation to strive for peace and an end to conflict among one another that the well-being of the people may be served.  Replace pride and power with the wisdom of justice and security, so that righteousness and peace may live in all lands.   God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Branch of Jesse, come!  We wait and hope for what we already have.   In this season of Advent we remember that you are the giver of new beginnings.  Your forgiveness authors for us new life.  In our waiting and watching shatter the obstacles in our fast-paced, busy and coronavirus threatened lives that resist your gracious coming and  grant us the gift of patience and trust in your steadfast love.  God of all hopefulness…

Pastor:  O Dayspring, come!  Come to those whose reason for hoping has given out, the suffering, ill, lonely, depressed, abused, and those broken by conflict, loss, and  grief. We remember especially before you ….   Speak tenderly to them and comfort them. God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might, come!  Pour out upon our fragile world your spirit of vitality and vigour.  Bring renewal to fields that lie fallow in winter and abundant fruitfulness during these days of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.  Teach us to care for this creation as shepherds care for and comfort their sheep.  God of all hopefulness ….

Petitioner:  O Key of David, come!  In this season of Advent remind us that your Word stands forever, even though the things of this world fade like the grass.  Shape this community into a place of welcome and support for all people.  Feed and strengthen us by your gifts of grace, that we may share them with others.  God of all hopefulness …

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

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

People:  Amen.

THANKSGIVING

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

THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE

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

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And also with you.

THE OFFERING

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

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray.
Gracious God,

People: you have done great things for us,

and holy is your name.

Bless all we offer you —

our selves, our time, and our possessions.

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

until the coming of your Son,

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.  Amen.  

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

People: Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

  on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

  who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

SENDING

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

BENEDICTION

Pastor: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding

keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The God of hope strengthen your hearts 

as you await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

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

to be among you and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“Comfort, Comfort Now My People”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

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

and return not but water the earth,

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

It shall not return to me empty.

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

the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing,

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

Go in peace.  Serve our God.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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, December 13, Augustana Lutheran Church provides an online service for all 7 Lutheran Churches

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. 

September, October 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 October 18 through November 1: $890

It is Canada Lutheran Magazine renewal time.  The bulk rate subscription price is $18.56. 

Thank you from Canadian Lutheran World Relief for our donation of $150

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.

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 …

OH COME, EMMANUEL

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

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

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

People:  Amen. 

Pastor: A voice cries in the wilderness:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

and all flesh shall see it together.”

People: A voice says, “Cry!”

And I said, “What shall I cry ?”

All flesh is grass,

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

The grass withers,

the flower fades,

when the breath of the Lord blows upon it.

Pastor: The grass withers,

the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Therefore, let us confidently draw near

and confess our sins before God.

(Pause for silent confession.)

Pastor: Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

God is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

God does not faint or grow weary;

God’s understanding is unsearchable;

God gives power to the faint,

and to you who have no might,

strength shall be given.

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

we shall mount up with wings like eagles,

we shall run and not be weary,

we shall walk and not faint.

GATHERING

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People:  And also with you. 

Pastor: Let us pray together.

People:  Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.   By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORD

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

BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

[click on the link below]

First Sunday in Advent

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

You call all nations to walk in your light

and to seek your ways of justice and peace,

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

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

Rouse us from sleep,

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

and welcome him into our hearts and homes,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Second Sunday in Advent

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

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

for the kingdom of heaven is near.

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

Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit,

that we may be a light shining in the darkness

welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent

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

Your prophets spoke of a day when the desert would blossom

and waters would break forth in the wilderness.

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

Strengthen our hearts

as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.

May he give water to all who thirst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

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

In your Son, Emmanuel,

you have shown us your light

and saved us from the power of sin.

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

Increase our longing for your presence,

that at the celebration of your Son’s birth

his Spirit might dwell anew in our midst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

SONG DURING THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

“He Came Down ”

[click on the link below]

FIRST READING:  Isaiah 64:1-9

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
   so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
as when fire kindles brushwood
   and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
   so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
   you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard,
   no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
   who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right,
   those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
   because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean,
   and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,
   and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name,
   or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
   and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
   we are the clay, and you are our potter;
   we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
   and do not remember iniquity for ever.
   Now consider, we are all your people. 

SECOND READING:  1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

GOSPEL READING:  Mark 13:24-37

The Coming of the Son of Man

‘But in those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,
   and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
   and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 

The Necessity for Watchfulness

‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

[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 refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos, 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 suffering from hurricanes Laura, Sally, Delta and tropical storms Beta, Zeta and Eta,  the people in the Philippines impacted by typhoon and in India by cyclone, 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, students, teachers, and staff as they continue in school, 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:  “REVEAL YOUR MERCY.”]

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

Petitioner:  O Wisdom, come! Like a potter working clay, shape and mold your people into vessels fit to serve the world according to your purpose.  Keep your Church awake and watchful, that we might  see your awesome deeds in unexpected places and in unexpected people and through them  might make your name known to all people.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, come! Stir up the leaders of the world and open their eyes to the hungry, poor, diseased, and oppressed everywhere.  Where there is war, bring peace; where there is ethnic strife, bring reconciliation; where there is famine, provide nourishment; where there is oppression, bring freedom.   God of all hopefulness …

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

Pastor:  O Dayspring, come!  Come to those whose reason for hoping has given out, the suffering, ill, lonely, depressed, abused, and those broken by conflict, loss, and  grief. We remember especially before you ….   Send your Spirit of hope and keep them in your steadfast love.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might, come!  Awaken us to the wonder and gifts of all creation – sun, moon, stars, mountains, oceans, earth, water, air, and all living things great and small – and teach us to cherish and wisely  to care for these gifts.   God of all hopefulness ….

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

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

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

People:  Amen.

THANKSGIVING

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

THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE

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

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And also with you.

THE OFFERING

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

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray.
Gracious God,

People: you have done great things for us,

and holy is your name.

Bless all we offer you —

our selves, our time, and our possessions.

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

until the coming of your Son,

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.  Amen.  

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

People: Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

  on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

  who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

SENDING

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

BENEDICTION

Pastor: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding

keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The God of hope strengthen your hearts 

as you await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

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

to be among you and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“My Lord What A Morning”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

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

and return not but water the earth,

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

It shall not return to me empty.

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

the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing,

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

Go in peace.  Serve our God.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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, December 13, Augustana Lutheran Church provides an online service for all 7 Lutheran Churches

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. 

September, October 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 October 18 through November 1: $890

It is Canada Lutheran Magazine renewal time.  The bulk rate subscription price is $18.56. 

Thank you from Canadian Lutheran World Relief for our donation of $150

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.

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 …

A Foretaste of the Coming Harvest

Pentecost begins with a rush–the rushing, life-giving wind of God’s Spirit. Now the latter part of the season of Pentecost centers on the lush green of growth and glorious yellow of harvest. We are constantly reminded that God has inexorably linked the experience of grace to the life and work of human beings.  It is ordinary for the community of faith to be about the work of God’s reign.  It is extraordinary that this labor bears the very power of the cross and resurrection.  This part of the Pentecost season pushes us to see our work as sacramental, an incarnational expression of Christ’s own life, death, and resurrection.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

We remember our baptisms, confess our faithlessness, 

and hear God’s faithful promise of forgiveness

Pastor:  Blessed be the holy Trinity:

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

who forgives all our sin,

whose mercy endures forever.

People:  Amen. 

Pastor: God of all mercy and consolation,

come to the aid of your people,

turning us from sin

to live for you alone.

Give us the power of your Holy Spirit

that, attentive to your Word,

we may confess our sins,

receive your forgiveness,

bear with one another in love,

maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,

and grow into the fullness of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

People: Amen. 

Pastor: Let us confess our sin in the

presence of God and of one another.  Reconciling God, 

People: we confess that we are a rebellious people,

following our own desires rather than listening to your call.

We have counted ourselves better than others,

failing to seek justice and care for the neighbour in need.

We have sought earthly treasures,

neglecting your gifts of word and sacrament.

For the sake of Christ Jesus,

forgive our sins,

strengthen our faith,

and lead us by your Holy Spirit

to joyful service in your name.  Amen. 

Pastor: In the mercy of God,

I declare to you the forgiveness of all your sin.

In baptism, you have been crucified with Christ;

it is no longer you who live,

but Christ who lives in you.

People: Amen.

GATHERING

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

GATHERING SONG

“The King of Glory Comes”

[click on the link below]

GREETING

Pastor: Sisters and brothers, you have been called to freedom in Christ.

People: Let us live in that freedom and be lead by God’s Spirit.

Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

People: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY        

O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace.  Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.   Amen.

First Reading:  Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

God the True Shepherd

For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. 

Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 

I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken. 

Epistle Reading:   Ephesians 1:15-23

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

The Judgement of the Nations

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’ 

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Soon and Very Soon”

[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 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 refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos, 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 suffering from hurricanes Laura, Sally, Delta and tropical storms Beta, Zeta and Eta,  the people in the Philippines impacted by typhoon, 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, students, teachers, and staff as they continue in school, 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:  “RENEW YOUR WHOLE CREATION.”]

Pastor:  Freed by Christ and led by the Spirit, let us pray in hope to our God of life for the Church, the world, and the needs of all people everywhere, saying, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and responding, “Renew your whole creation.”

Petitioner:  Loving God, we do not know the way to you, but in Christ, through your Word, through baptism, and through your Supper you come to us and announce your salvation and forgiveness to all on earth.  Empower your Church by your Gospel of grace, that its leaders and all its people would equip everyone for lives of joyful service and caring compassion, especially for those often considered the least.   Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:   Faithful God, the heavens and earth declare your glorious rule.  Sustain your handiwork of space and sea, of sky and soil, of stars and seeds, that all creatures would praise and thank  you with one voice.  Help us to cherish, celebrate and restore your life-giving gift of creation.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:   Sustaining God, you nourish and sustain us as a shepherd cares for his flock. Through your Word you hold all things together in divine harmony.  Help us to cherish and to heal relationships that have been broken through our neglect, and to love all people, especially those who are most different from us. Enable us to seek the lost, bring back the straying, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak.   Come Holy Spirit … 

Pastor:   God of healing, you reign in all conditions of life.  Extend your reign of healing to all who suffer illness, pain, loneliness, depression, addictions, conflict, abuse, or grief.  We remember especially before you …   Embrace all in your comfort and hope.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  God of hope, confound our ways of self-serving behaviour.  Pour out your abundant grace and mercifully engage those who wrestle with faith or belief in you, especially those who have been hurt by the church when it rules through law and not love.  Hold them fast and draw them into your gracious reign of love.  Come, Holy Spirit…  

Petitioner:   Good and gracious God, you rule the world in truth and grace, yet our world is too often ruled by violence and bloodshed.  Provide wisdom and humility to all nations and their leaders that under your rule of love, all might know and do the things that make for peace. Establish your gentle justice over the nations and those who govern them, that all families of the earth would gather under the servant leadership of Christ and live in peace.  Come, Holy Spirit…  

Petitioner:  Christ of mission, we pray for your Spirit as we count our days together in this community.  On this day when we call Christ “king” share with us the spirit of his strong, vulnerable love to unite our community.  In word, font, and table  turn talk of death into abundant life and feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness into acts of redeeming care and into signs of joy.  Come, Holy Spirit…  

Pastor:  Empowering God, your gracious Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.  Keep us in the faith, call, gather, and enlighten us with your Word, search our hearts and renew our lives to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our living Lord.

People:  Amen.

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.

BENEDICTION

Pastor: Almighty God, who makes all things new in Jesus Christ,

send you light and truth.

The providential hand of God protect you;

the life giving Christ accompany you;

and the sustaining presence of the Spirit

give you peace, now, and always.

People:   Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“Beautiful Savior”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go in peace, renewed with Christ’s Spirit to love and to serve.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING UP AT KOG

• –  November  Church Council meeting will be conducted through the internet
• ??- Tuesday, November 24, Women’s Breakfast Out, a continental breakfast at the home of Carol Sarich (164 MacCormack Road, Martensville), 10:00 a.m. ??

• ??- Sunday, November 29, Worship together at St. David’s/Trinity, 6:30 p.m.??
• ?? – Sunday, December 6, Worship together at St. David’s/Trinity, 6:30 p.m.??

– Sunday, December 13, Augustana Lutheran Church provides an online service for all 7 Lutheran Churches

Because COVID cases are rising rapidly the Church Council  will be meeting to reconsider if we should hold in person worship services every other Sunday.  We will inform you of the decision.

The draft 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.  

September, October 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 October 18 through November 1: $890

It is Canada Lutheran Magazine renewal time.  If you would like to renew your subscription or subscribe please contact Pastor Michael by November 24.  The bulk rate subscription price is $18.56. 

Thank you from Canadian Lutheran World Relief for our donation of $150

Thank you to all involved in the quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory.  Our quilting worker-bees have made these quilts which will all go to Canadian Lutheran World Relief for various aid programs around the world.  Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Ursula Coakwell, Sharon Morgan, Marge McMillan, Sherry Andrews, and Carol Sarich.  Thank you to Home Hardware for providing free shipping.

Canadian Lutheran World Relief has informed us that they are discontinuing this program.  It should be noted that from June 2011 until October 2020 our quilters have made 1188 quilts for CLWR, 73 vests for CLWR and 103 quilts for various local groups and individuals.

At the August 10 Church Council  meeting the following people were elected as Officers of the Council and Congregation:  Wayne Turner, Chairperson, Carol Sarich, Vice-chairperson, Evelyn Robson, Secretary, Pat Sarich, Co-treasurer, Vacant, Co-treasurer, Financial Secretary, Karen McKenzie.  Members at large are: Deryl Morgan, Jennipher Karst, and Kyle Sarich.  Thank you for your service and we pray for God’s blessings and the Spirit’s wisdom, understanding, and guidance on your ministry.

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.

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 …

Checklist and Guidelines for Re-opening Worship Services

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc before the service

One person preps worship materials and conducts seating [pastor]

Pre-screening and Registration of attendees (if tracing is necessary)

Seating chart with six feet distancing (if tracing is necessary)

No sharing of pencils, pens, etc.

No serving of food or beverages

Try not to use the washrooms

Open doors and windows if possible

Use/wear face masks

Hand sanitizer available

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

No congregational singing 

Used material should be set aside for 72 hours (worship folders)

Communion procedure

remain seated

pastor brings elements in self-contained manner

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc after the service

In our recent newsletter we promised to send you a link to a video, created in lieu of the Fundraising Dinner, planned for November 15, 2020.

“The Year When Everything Changed” – 2020 LuMinHoS Virtual Fundraiser will GO LIVE – November 15, at 7:15 pm. (Please, make use of the event as you see fit; November 15 doesn’t have to be the day you use it!)

Click here, https://www.luminhos.org/events/upcoming-events/ to ‘set reminder’ for event and see:

• letters from former Chaplains which speak of the significance of LuMinHoS to the patients in hospitals of Saskatoon. We hope you will find them enjoyable
• find fun suggestions for holding “virtual” dinners or get-togethers to make the video an enjoyable time. We hope you will find something suitable to your family or group. Please, observe distancing directives.

It is meant to be entertaining as well as informative and we hope you’ll enjoy all the little “extras” our MC created for it. If you know any of the musicians, let them know that their contributions were appreciated and enjoyed.

Finally, we ask you avail yourself of one of the many ways to donate to support and grow LuMinHoS.  See  https://www.luminhos.org/donate

God’s blessing to all of you and your family and friends.  We hope you enjoy the event.

LuMinHoS Events Committee

Hello all at KOG,

The Provincial briefing today on new measures in place for COVID-19 do
not change the protocol for churches.  So I simply want to remind you
that we will have in person worship this Sunday, November 15 at St.
David’s/Trinity at the usual time, 6:30.  We will follow the same
protocol we have been doing.  This will be a non-communion service.

Stay safe. Be well.

Pastor Michael

Link to Worship Service Audio:

Link to Bulletin:

Click to access Sunday%20November%208%202020.pdf

A Foretaste of the Coming Harvest

Pentecost begins with a rush–the rushing, life-giving wind of God’s Spirit. Now the latter part of the season of Pentecost centers on the lush green of growth and glorious yellow of harvest. We are constantly reminded that God has inexorably linked the experience of grace to the life and work of human beings.  It is ordinary for the community of faith to be about the work of God’s reign.  It is extraordinary that this labor bears the very power of the cross and resurrection.  This part of the Pentecost season pushes us to see our work as sacramental, an incarnational expression of Christ’s own life, death, and resurrection.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

We remember our baptisms, confess our faithlessness, 

and hear God’s faithful promise of forgiveness

Pastor:  Blessed be the holy Trinity:

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

who forgives all our sin,

whose mercy endures forever.

People:  Amen. 

Pastor: God of all mercy and consolation,

come to the aid of your people,

turning us from sin

to live for you alone.

Give us the power of your Holy Spirit

that, attentive to your Word,

we may confess our sins,

receive your forgiveness,

bear with one another in love,

maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,

and grow into the fullness of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

People: Amen. 

Pastor: Let us confess our sin in the

presence of God and of one another.  Reconciling God, 

People: we confess that we are a rebellious people,

following our own desires rather than listening to your call.

We have counted ourselves better than others,

failing to seek justice and care for the neighbour in need.

We have sought earthly treasures,

neglecting your gifts of word and sacrament.

For the sake of Christ Jesus,

forgive our sins,

strengthen our faith,

and lead us by your Holy Spirit

to joyful service in your name.  Amen. 

Pastor: In the mercy of God,

I declare to you the forgiveness of all your sin.

In baptism, you have been crucified with Christ;

it is no longer you who live,

but Christ who lives in you.

People: Amen.

GATHERING

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

GATHERING SONG

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

[click on the link below]

GREETING

Pastor: Sisters and brothers, you have been called to freedom in Christ.

People: Let us live in that freedom and be lead by God’s Spirit.

Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

People: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY        

Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the Church in every age.  Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people.  Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the Gospel, and bestow on the Church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

First Reading:  Jeremiah 31: 31-34

A New Covenant

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 

Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength,
   a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
   though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
   though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
          Selah 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
   the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
   God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
   he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our refuge.
          Selah 

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
   see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
   he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
   he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
   I am exalted among the nations,
   I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our refuge.
          Selah 

Epistle Reading:   Romans 3:19-28

Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For ‘no human being will be justified in his sight’ by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

But now, irrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 

Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. 

Gospel Reading:  John 8:31-36

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, “You will be made free”?’ 

Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY

“The Church’s One Foundation”

[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, 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. and the family of Norm Gregory.

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, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge,  the refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in the United States suffering from hurricanes Laura, Sally, Delta and tropical storm Beta and the people of Atlantic Canada recovering from tropical storm Teddy, the people of California, Oregon,  Washington, and Colorado devastated by wildfires and smoke, The people in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Tanzania impacted by floods, 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, students, teachers, and staff as they return to school, 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:  “RENEW YOUR WHOLE CREATION.”]

Petitioner:  Loving God, through the water of our baptism, through the nourishing food of your Supper, and through the power of your Word, we celebrate in prayer and praise the heart of our faith – the Gospel of Christ.  Forgive us and reconcile us to yourself and to one another that we might build up the body of Christ, continue our witness to your truth that liberates us from sin, and by your Spirit persist in your love for the world.  God, in your goodness…

Petitioner:   Faithful God, we give you thanks for creation and its gift of a completed harvest.  Nourish the earth to provide enough food and clean water for all.  Forgive us our carelessness with the earth and transform our lives of consumption into lives of gratitude. Give us a renewed commitment to care for and to nurture your creation, that the wonders you have made will be available for generations that follow.  God, in your goodness…

Petitioner:  God of reconciliation, amid our struggles and disappointments insure that your guiding and reforming gift of grace is directing us as faithful partners in ministry that our life together might be filled with great love for those around us.  Make this congregation a place of forgiveness and reconciliation.  Send us forth to persist joyfully with greetings of grace and peace on our lips.   God, in your goodness …

Pastor:   God our refuge and strength, you are a very present help in trouble.  We pray for the sick, the desperate, the anxious, the depressed, for those who face constant pain or even death, for those in treatment for addiction or disease, and for those who mourn.  We remember especially before you ….  Grant them peace and healing, for you are their refuge and strength and their source of hope.   God, in your goodness…

Petitioner:  God of justice and wisdom, the nations of the world are broken by terror and hostility within and without.  Plant the seeds of justice by the movement of your Spirit in the nations of this world.  Accompany refugees, displaced persons, and all who wander without homes.  Shelter them from all harm.  Graciously tend to the victims of terror. Guide the feet of all leaders of the nations into the way of peace.    God, in your goodness…  

Petitioner:  Sustaining God, send your Spirit of wisdom, justice, and peace to all who are running for election to all forms of government.  May they regard all in their jurisdictions without partiality, advocate for the well-being of the poor, homeless, and unemployed, and provide good order for the health, safety, and vitality of all within their governance.   God, in your goodness …

Petitioner:  God of freedom, we pray for all communities of faith, their ministers and their ministries, especially St. David’s/Trinity United Church and Resurrection and Trinity Lutheran churches.  We give you thanks for all the ways that you keep reaching out to us reforming and conforming us to the Good News of our freedom in Christ.  Where we are in error, direct us; where we are true, strengthen us; where we are divided, reunite us.   God, in your goodness …

Pastor: Teach us to pray, O God, and grant us wisdom in our asking, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

People:  Amen.

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.

BENEDICTION

Pastor: Almighty God, who makes all things new in Jesus Christ,

send you light and truth.

The providential hand of God protect you;

the life giving Christ accompany you;

and the sustaining presence of the Spirit

give you peace, now, and always.

People:   Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“The Church of Christ In Every Age”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go in peace, renewed with Christ’s Spirit to love and to serve.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING UP AT KOG

On Sunday, November 1, All Saints Sunday, King Of Glory will hold a service at St. David’s/Trinity.  The worship service with Communion will begin at 6:30.  There will be a time to remember and commemorate those saints who have been dear to us at King of Glory and have gone before us into God’s presence.  In order to hold this service we will have to follow the protocols set by the Province for holding a worship service.  The protocols and procedures are listed below:

Because COVID cases are relatively low in number The Church Council has decided that we will have in person worship services every other Sunday.  In person services will be held at St. David’s/Trinity at 6:30 on November 1, 15 and 29.  Should new case numbers spike or other unforeseen circumstances arise we will make the necessary modifications.

The draft 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.  

September, October 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: -$1,372.35

August income/expenses: $1498.57.

Contributions from October 4 through October 18: $2570

Thank you to all involved in the quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory.  Our quilting worker-bees have made these quilts which will all go to Canadian Lutheran World Relief for various aid programs around the world.  Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Ursula Coakwell, Sharon Morgan, Marge McMillan, Sherry Andrews, and Carol Sarich.  Thank you to Home Hardware for providing free shipping.

Canadian Lutheran World Relief has informed us that they are discontinuing this program.  It should be noted that from June 2011 until October 2020 our quilters have made 1188 quilts for CLWR, 73 vests for CLWR and 103 quilts for various local groups and individuals.

At the August 10 Church Council  meeting the following people were elected as Officers of the Council and Congregation:  Wayne Turner, Chairperson, Carol Sarich, Vice-chairperson, Evelyn Robson, Secretary, Pat Sarich, Co-treasurer, Vacant, Co-treasurer, Financial Secretary, Karen McKenzie.  Members at large are: Deryl Morgan, Jennipher Karst, and Kyle Sarich.  Thank you for your service and we pray for God’s blessings and the Spirit’s wisdom, understanding, and guidance on your ministry.

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.

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.

Checklist and Guidelines for Re-opening Worship Services

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc before the service

One person preps worship materials and conducts seating [pastor]

Pre-screening and Registration of attendees (if tracing is necessary)

Seating chart with six feet distancing (if tracing is necessary)

No sharing of pencils, pens, etc.

No serving of food or beverages

Try not to use the washrooms

Open doors and windows if possible

Use/wear face masks

Hand sanitizer available

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

No congregational singing 

Used material should be set aside for 72 hours (worship folders)

Communion procedure

remain seated

pastor brings elements in self-contained manner

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc after the service

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 …