10 minute read
1.03.21 Drive-In Service
LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH Sunday, January 3, 2021 10:15 AM Drive-In Service
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to Worship in this FUN and unique way of Drive-In Worship! Tune into 95.5 FM. It is a blessing to be gathered even if it is differently!! In order to love our neighbors, ... all must remain in the vehicles with no use of bathroom inside. If you are less than 6 feet away from car next to you, you must keep your windows closed. If you are further than 6 feet from the next car, please use discretion and care for your neighbor with how far you open a window and perhaps wearing a mask. Any congregating in person less than 6 feet is not allowed. Please care for one another in working together for Drive-In Worship. Thank you!
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, whose voice is upon the waters, whose mercy is poured out upon all people, whose goodness cascades over all creation. Amen.
Holy God,
you search us and know us. You are acquainted with all our ways. We confess that our hearts are burdened by sin- our own sins and the broken systems that bind us. We turn inward, failing to follow your outward way of love. We distrust those who are not like us. We exploit the earth and its resources and fail to consider generations to come. Forgive us, gracious God, for all we have done and left undone. Even before the words are on our tongues, you know them; receive them in your divine mercy. Amen.
How vast is God’s grace! Through the power and promise of Christ Jesus, our sins are washed away and we are claimed as God’s own beloved. Indeed, we are forgiven. In the wake of God’s forgiveness, we are called to be the beloved community living out Christ’s justice and the Spirit’s reconciling peace. Amen.
SHARING OF THE LORD’S PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you all.
And also with you. (Please honk and wave to those next to you).
GATHERING HYMN OF PRAISE:
"We Three Kings" v. 1,2
THE GREETING:
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Responsive Scripture reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
The Gospel
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew the second chapter
Glory to you, O Lord.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
THE SERMON
SONG OF THE DAY: Pastor Sarah Cordray
"The First Noel" ELW #300 v. 3,4,5
OFFERING—Offering station is found in driveway of parsonage. OR PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE BY MAILING YOUR OFFERING TO THE CHURCH OFFICE AT PO BOX L OR ONLINE BY GOING TO LUTHERMEMORIALCHURCH.COM
THE APOSTLES’ CREED (pg. 104)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Each petition is finished responsively with: Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
. . . . through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (no honk)
THE MEAL (Prepare communion in your car at this time)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (no honk) The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God our thanks and
praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. Before the mountains were brought forth, or you had formed the earth, from everlasting to everlasting, you alone are God. You created light out of darkness and brought forth life on the earth. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God,
and spoke to us through your prophets. You sent a star to guide wise men to where the Christ was born; and in your signs and witnesses, in every age and through all the world, you have led your people from far places to his light.
In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrances of me.” After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
O God of light and life, pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread. Raise us up as the body of Christ for the world to shine the light of Christ. Breathe new life into us through Jesus Christ our savior and Lord who taught us to pray
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen. (no honk)
COMMUNION PRAYER
Christ Jesus, at this table we have feasted on your very life and are strengthened for our journey. Send us forth from this banquet nourished in body and in spirit to proclaim your good news and serve others in your name. Amen.
BLESSING God the creator strengthen you; Jesus the beloved fill you; and the Holy Spirit the comforter + keep you in peace. Amen.
SENDING SONG:
"Shine, Jesus, Shine" ELW #671
BENEDICTION:
P: Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
C: Thanks be to God.
WELCOME to Worship! We are glad all of you are here today. If you are visiting, please know you
are truly welcome here in Christ’s church.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER THIS WEEK: Steve Lade, Robin Maestle, LeeAnn Zeiger, Ninajean
Rohlfs, Jill Crook, and Scott Hitzemann.(Relate)
Star words will be distributed this Sunday for Epiphany and will also be at the church office if you
would like to get one. (Worship)
In light of the ongoing need to re-evaluate our plans and Covid responses, we have assembled a Covid Advisory team made up of Brent Harsin, Bev Sporhase, Lara Caudill, Cindy Post and Pr. Alma. This team will be meeting on a regular basis to look at the reported Covid-trends in the state and community, Direct Health Measures and other guidance being put forth and, using this information, make recommendations about how we best care for one another as church in this time. We thank you for your ongoing grace and flexibility as we continue to navigate these
decisions and strive to protect and care for our community. (Worship, Relate)
Offering envelopes are now available for the new year. Please pick them up either on Sundays or during the week from 8:30-12:00 and 1:30-4:30. Thank you!
Due to Holidays and staff vacation schedules please call the office first to make sure it is open before coming in.
LMC MISSION STATEMENT: Remember, Rejoice, Reach Out LMC VISION STATEMENT: S.O.W.E.R. Serve, Outreach, Worship, Educate, Relate
Sunday, Jan. 3rd: Wed., Jan. 6th: Happenings This Week: **10:15 am Drive-In Service**
6:30 pm Kindergarten Zoom Learning
Sunday, Jan. 10th:
10:15 am Drive-In Service Kindergarten Milestone/Baptismal Medallions 11:30 am Covid Advisory Meeting Zoom ***Please check luthermemorialchurch.org, Facebook or call the office before events to keep up to date on Covid restrictions postponements and cancellations.***
SCRIPTURES TODAY
Isaiah 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12
MUSIC
"We Three Kings" v. 1,2 "The First Noel" ELW #300 v. 3,4,5 "Shine, Jesus, Shine" ELW #671
Ushers: Audio: 9:00 am Drive-In Worship
Nick Cordray
HELPING TODAY
LAST WEEK
Sunday, December 27th: 9:00 am Drive-In Service 39 Offering: Online Worship Views 56 $8500.00
Thursday, Dec. 24th: Christmas Eve Services: 4:00 pm 175 Offering: $9570.00
Pastor On-Call in January
P. Alma @ 402-269-4419 Mondays and after Office Hours
