Advent Evening Prayer – December 15, 2021 The Order of Worship at 7:00 pm We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We continue to exercise the same care that has protected us through the past year: limiting the size of indoor gatherings, the duration of the service, and providing safe seating. At the same time, we will continue to stream our services live for those who cannot be present. At this time, we ask that face coverings be worn at all times while on the Redeemer property, regardless of vaccination status. Please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping with us, to submit any prayer requests, to let us know if you need help or are available to help a neighbor, and to continue giving financially to support the ongoing ministries of Redeemer. As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we gathering in the name of Christ in-person or online. As you are comfortable, we encourage you to sing the hymns and to sing or speak the congregational portions of the liturgy in bold type. This bulletin contains content protected by copyright and is provided only for you to participate in worship. Please delete or destroy any physical or digital copy of the material following the service.
SERVICE OF LIGHT – Procession
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Evening Hymn
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Evening Thanksgiving
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PSALM
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The Reading: Luke 2:[25-28] 29-32 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Homily
Advent Gospel Canticle -- Simeon's Nunc Dimittis
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Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Prayers of Intercession: Holy God, in this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places as your creation yearns for your presence. God of presence and peace, strengthen your church around the globe to proclaim the message of your love coming to the world. Open our hearts to recognize your face in all people and in all of creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of mighty redwoods, pine trees, oaks, and microscopic plants, fields, farms, and city parks, of light and darkness, of the wind and the waves, be a healing balm to our wounded world. May we nurture what you have lovingly created. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of equity and compassion, bring righteousness and goodness to all peoples of the earth. Give a heart of discernment and integrity to religious, political, business, and civic leaders in our communities Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of comfort and care, be present with those who watch and wait. Come to all who await births, deaths, divorces, new unions, new jobs, retirements, healing, resettlement, and life transitions of every kind (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of promises kept and new dreams awakened, shelter your people from destructive storms and sin. We pray for those whose lives have been upended by natural disasters (especially), for the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief, Inspiritus, and other relief organizations. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Here other intercessions may be offered. God of companionship and community, we give you thanks for the saints who journeyed with us and now abide in you. Even in distress and uncertainty, make us confident that your promises endure forever. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of new life in Christ, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Lord’s Prayer
Blessing
Musicians Sarah Hawbecker, organ
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