Midweek Service of Word and Sacrament
December 3, 2025
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing
SERVICE OF LIGHT
Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world The light no darkness can overcome; Stay with us now, for it is evening, And the day is almost over Let your light scatter the darkness, And shine within your people here.
HYMN: ELW 561
Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory
May God be with you all, And also with you Let us sing our thanks to God, It is right to give our thanks and praise
Blessed are you, Creator of the universe from of old you have led your people by night and day. May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright, for your Word and your presence are the light of our pathways, and you are the light and life of all creation. Seated
WORD: Genesis 16:7-15
The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.” The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.” And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Now you have conceived and shall bear a son; you shall call him Ishmael, for the Lord has given heed to your affliction. He shall be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall live at odds with all his kin.” So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El-roi,” for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered. Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
CONVERSATION WITH PASTOR MARK
Standing
An angel went from God...And Mary said, "I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will."
Kneeling or seated
PRAYERS
In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation.
With wisdom and understanding, inspire the faithful around the world. Unite hearts and minds in work to address poverty, access to housing, and equity among peoples. God of grace, hear our prayer.
With counsel and might, move us to care for creation. As we dream of the day when all creatures will flourish alongside one another, guide us in ways humanity and all creation will mutually thrive. God of grace, hear our prayer.
With righteousness and faithfulness, encourage nations to live in harmony with one another. We pray for international student and teacher exchanges, for our partner churches, and for the shared mission of Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response. God of grace, hear our prayer.
With steadfastness and encouragement, strengthen those who have lost hope in the face of grief, depression, or disease (especially). Renew the spirits of those recovering from surgery and medical procedures. God of grace, hear our prayer.
With welcome and hospitality, embolden us in our shared ministry to overcome all that divides. In acts of repentance, reconciliation, and reparation, may we serve in the way of Christ. God of grace, hear our prayer.
With joy and peace, we remember our ancestors in the faith. Fill us with the hope of the Holy Spirit now and into the ages of ages. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. Amen.
Standing PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you.
HOLY COMMUNION
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 our thanks and praise.
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, 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 for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, now and forever.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Seated INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Standing AFTER COMMUNION
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen
Let us pray. | God our host, at this table you have fed us with joy and gladness. Send us forth, eager to share the feast, welcome the stranger, and bear good fruit in the name of Jesus. Amen
HYMN: ELW 257
BLESSING
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
May God who comes among us, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness, and good news to share today and always. | Amen.
Go in peace. Keep Awake | Thanks be to God.