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Sunday Worship8:00 a.m.
PastorKatie Chullino
Bethlehem Lutheran Church1000 15th Avenue
Longmont, Colorado 80501Phone: 303-776-3290
Email: [email protected]:
bethlehem-lutheran.net
Our MissionGathered around the Word and
Sacrament, we live the good news of Christ’s love throughout
our
community and the world.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
December 20, 2020
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Order of Worship
Welcome and Announcements +All may make the sign of the cross,
the sign marked at baptism.* Please stand as you are able
Prelude
GatheringCall To Worship and ForgivenessOne: I knew joy, but
when I heard the laughter of children,All: Suddenly, joy was
overflowing.One: I knew love, but when you held my hand,All:
Suddenly, love was overflowing.One: I knew God, but when you showed
me grace,when you forgave me,when you loved me,when you raised
me,All: Suddenly, God was overflowing.One: So, let us prepare our
hearts to worship God together as we join in confession and
forgiveness.God of Good News,You say, “You are highly favored,” but
we struggle to see how that could be.You say, “Do not be afraid,”
but we fear all the time.You say, “Even the impossible is possible,
just look at Elizabeth!”But sometimes hope slips through our hands
like water.The impossible often feels impossible.
So today we pray,Teach us to sing like Mary.Teach us to laugh
like Elizabeth.Teach us to trust like the angels.Forgive us when we
can only do one at a time, or none at all.Amen.
Children’s Message Deaconess Ann Maki
This week, we recognize what preceded Mary’s song of praise:
news that was disorienting and bewildering, possibly threatening
her life. Together, Mary and Elizabeth find courage and comfort in
spite of their unusual circumstances. We, too, are called to carry,
support, and encourage one another’s dreams. (Sanctified Art,
sanctifiedart.org)
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Gathering Hymn Light One Candle ELW 240 All verses
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Advent Wreath A: I dream of music that makes my heart swell.B: I
dream of trees that take my breath away.A: I dream of sunrises that
wrap me in light.B: I dream of family dinners that feel like
home.A: I dream of church services that give me hope.B: I dream of
love as the default.A: So today, as we draw near to Christmas day,
we light the candle of love.Light candle.B: May this light burn
bright as a reminder that God is here and God is love.A: We are not
alone. Thanks be to God for a love like that. Amen.
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Prayer for the Day
Holy God,Before you could speak, you were speaking—Leaping in
wombs, kicking, stretching, jumping for joy.You have always found a
way to show up in our midst,Particularly on our fearful or lonely
days.So today, as we crack open our Bibles,Fluttering through these
old beloved pages,We ask that you would move again.Stir in us.Speak
to us.Fill us with the Holy Spirit.And if we are not able to hear
your Word clearly,Then give us ElizabethsWho will point out your
presence in delight and joy.Before you could speak, you were
speaking,So here and now, Creator God, we are listening.Amen.
Reading Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 1Your love, O Lord, forever will I
sing; from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2For I am persuaded that your steadfast love is established
forever; you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3“I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn an oath
to David my servant: 4‘I will establish your line forever, and
preserve your throne for all generations.’ ” 19You spoke once in a
vision and said to your faithful people: “I have set the crown upon
a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people. 20I have
found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him. 21My
hand will hold him fast and my arm will make him strong. 22No enemy
shall deceive him, nor shall the wicked bring him down. 23I will
crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. 24My
faithfulness and steadfast love are with him, and he shall be
victorious through my name. 25I will set his hand on the sea, and
his right hand on the rivers. 26He will say to me, ‘You are my
father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’
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Sermon Deaconess Ann Maki
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Gospel Luke 1:26-38
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town
in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose
name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is
with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered
what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do
not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now,
you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name
him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the
Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his
ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy;
he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in
her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month
for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible
with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed
from her.
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Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High The Association of Lutheran
Church Musicians
Prayers of Intercession
God of power and might, shine your radiance and come quickly to
this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.
A brief silence.
God of preachers and messengers, you have entrusted your church
with the work of proclaiming good news. Strengthen the witness of
bishops, pastors, deacons, church musicians, lay leaders, and all
people who contribute their prayers and talents to public worship
(the congregation’s worship leaders may be named). Embed your word
in their hearts. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.
God of every living creature, you announce the year of your
favor for all of creation. Extend your kindness and relief to
endangered animals and plants. Strengthen the human beings who rely
on the rhythms of nature to make their living. Hear us, O God.Your
mercy is great.
God of all peoples and nations, you plant us as your oaks of
righteousness and ask us to care for one another. Be present with
the leaders of every nation as they govern. Give them a spirit of
righteousness, that your goodness and mercy is revealed through
their actions. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.
God of exiles and wanderers, you repair what was once destroyed.
We pray for people who have
been displaced from their homes by fire, flood, earthquake, or storm (survivors of recent natural disasters
may be named). Support the work of Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran
Disaster Response,
and all disaster relief organizations in their recovery efforts. Hear us, O God.Your
mercy is great.
God of the powerful and helpless, you clothe us with strength
when our spirits are weak and weary. Bestow your spirit upon this
congregation and empower us to comfort the people who turn to us in
times of need. Make your church a place of refuge and healing. Hear
us, O God.Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of sinners and saints, you offer joy even in the midst of our grief. We are grateful for the beloved, imperfect people whose lives testified to your radiant love (especially Lucy, martyr of the church). Anoint
all who mourn with the oil of gladness. Hear us, O God.Your mercy
is great.
Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.
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Offering Prayer
Let us pray. Merciful God,
On our own what we have to give does not amount to much in the
light of all you have given to us in the face of so much need. Put
together as a church what we offer you here in love, so that it may
become more for your holy Creation. We ask you to bless these gifts
as we are reminded that just as it was with the loaves and fishes,
there is more than enough for all. Amen.
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 One, the beginning and
the end, the giver of life:Blessed are you for the birth of
creation.Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.Blessed
are you for your promise to your people.Blessed are you in the
prophets’ hopes and dreams.Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to
your will.Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,the Word made flesh.
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.
Peace and Offering
We remember the peace proclaimed by angels and made known in
Jesus. We strive for peace on
earth and we prayerfully consider our own offerings to God and neighbor as we gather bread and wine
(or something else to eat and drink) for the holy meal we are about
to share.
Meal
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Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.Christ is risen.Christ will come again.
With this bread and cupwe remember your Word dwelling among
us,full of grace and truth.We remember our new birth in his death
and resurrection.We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit.Come among us.Bless this
meal.May your Word take flesh in us.Awaken your people.Fill us with
your light.Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours,Holy One of Israel,Word of God
incarnate,Power of the Most High,one God, now and forever.Amen.
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.
Prayer Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to live as
we pray,
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Communion Hymn In the Bleak Midwinter ELW 294 All verses
Blessing
SendingOne: We believe in God.All: We believe that God has
dreams for humanity.One: We believe in the Holy Spirit.All: We
believe that the Holy Spirit comforts us when our dreams turn to
nightmares.One: We believe in Jesus.All: We believe that Jesus
walked this world to wake us up, Inviting us to be the church in
the world.One: We believe in dreams.All: We believe in the power
that dreams have to show us a new way.One: So in this Advent
season,All: We are those who dream and those who wake up. May it be
so. Amen.
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Hymn Go Tell it on the Mountain ELW 290 All Verses
Liturgical Pieces from: Sanctified Art, sanctifiedart.org
Liturgy content from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2011
Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual
License #24256 CCLI License # A2989020 One License # A-714852
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Online Worship Volunteers
Ministers All baptized members of Bethlehem
Preaching Deaconess Ann M.
Presiding Pastor Katie
Assisting Minister Steve W.
Remote Lay Reader Joel S.
Children’s Message Deaconess Ann M.
Vocalists Dave H. and Dennis S.
Accompanist Ray L.
AV Team Rob B., Matt J., Bob L., Greg S.
Remote Prayers Jeanne P. and Dan K. and Pastor Katie
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December 20, 2020
Please remember in prayers: Jamie J., Ranelle L., Robert
H., Peggy P., George D., Estelle G., Carol D., Darlene B., Francis
M., Bayne G., Betty C., Marilyn V., Bonnie M., Bruce B., Candy
T.,Jeremy G., and our homebound members Mike G., Lydia M., Esther
G., Doris C., and friends and relatives of our community: Mike G.,
June D., Scarlett K., Sue H., Erwin and Grace B., Donna S., Ron W.,
Sandy F., Robert F., and those serving our country: Ethan T., Brett
B., Michael K. Jr., Bill W., and Steven R.
Healing Prayers Available
Good news! The Healing Prayers ministry is joining Sunday
worship online. Each Sunday a member of the Healing Prayers
ministry team will be available remotely for one-on-one prayer with
members of the congregation. Join us as we experience God's power
in this unique way. For healing prayers this Sunday, December 20,
please contact Dan K. ([email protected]) from 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
For one-on-one prayer any day or time, contact Jeanne P.
([email protected]). Note: phone numbers can be found in your
BLC Handbook Directory. Recent Scam Alert Note: There have been a
number of scams targeting church members. Pastor Katie, Deaconess
Ann, and BLC leaders will never ask for money or gift cards via
emails or texts. Church Property Improvements The gutters on the
north and east sides of the Bethlehem building will be replaced on
either December 21-22 or December 28-29. Please avoid that section
of the parking lot on those days so that this important repair can
take place!
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“Honk” for Harold Wollman’s 100 Birthday Parade Harold Wollman
turns 100 on December 20, 2020! Celebrate this WWII veteran and
former volunteer firefighter. Homebound due to Covid-19, we would
like everyone to show your love by participating in this parade!
When: Sunday December. 20, 2020 Time: 2:20 P.M. Where: Alta Vita
Assisted Living Facility, 1001 Alta Vita Court, Longmont, CO
A “Dumpster” Christmas Service - Sign-ups for our Dumpster
Christmas Services go live on Monday, December 7 at noon. Space is
limited for safety reasons. These services will be held near the
dumpster (and Stable) on December 24 at 4:00 p.m. (with Light of
Christ) and at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. This Christmas service comes
from The Book of Uncommon Prayer. It is a service in which we both
hear the Christmas story, experience the elements around us, and
imagine the world into which Christ is born. We invite you to bring
a candle (real or battery operated) or flashlight from home to join
in this service. The service should last about 30 minutes. You may
bring a chair if you'd like, otherwise we will stand for this
worship service. Sign-Up for 4:00 p.m.:
https://forms.gle/65W2aDc28vHKoUVX8 Sign-Up for 7:00 p.m.:
https://forms.gle/ MXgk2mRoqLkhQEVe8 Sign-Up for 9:00 p.m.:
https://forms.gle/ jpze2vQB9awL9RJW8
https://forms.gle/65W2aDc28vHKoUVX8https://forms.gle/%0DMXgk2mRoqLkhQEVe8https://forms.gle/%0Djpze2vQB9awL9RJW8
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Bethlehem Book Club Join us on Thursday, January 14, at 9:00
a.m. for our discussion of The Braid by Laetitia Colombani. Details
of the meeting will be sent out by email; if you would like to be
added to our email list, please contact Mary Jane
([email protected]).
We will meet virtually using our Zoom connections and welcome
all who are interested! Information on how to join a Zoom meeting
will be provided. Our monthly reading list is on our website
(https:// www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/connect/
bethlehem-book-club.html).
If you have any questions, please contact Mary Jane. (
[email protected]). Deadlines for 2020 Giving The end of the
year is once again upon us, and what a year it has been! Thank you
to all who have been able to continue to contribute to our ministry
here at Bethlehem—your donations have enabled us to not only
maintain salaries and facilities but also to meet our ministry
needs and even expand some of our missions. Thank you all very
much! As we near the end of the calendar year, we would like to
remind you of a few important deadlines. In order for a check or
cash contribution to be deposited in 2020, it must be received in
the church office no later than December 26; please allow for extra
days if mailing at this time of year! We will be processing and
depositing those contributions on Monday morning, December 28. In
order for an online payment to be deposited in 2020, depending on
whether it is drawn from a bank account or by credit card, the
deadline for deposit is December 30 (bank account) or December 28
(cards). If you have any questions or concerns about whether your
donation will be deposited in 2020, please contact our financial
secretary, Jenny K., as soon as possible
([email protected]). Thank you again for your
2020 giving!
Join us in Reading the Bible in a Year
Manna Bible Study has committed to the Daily Walk, a reading
plan that intersperses brief explanatory and inspirational
teachings between the segments of scripture, guiding you through
the entire Bible day by day. The Bible is God’s story of His love
for mankind. It is His guide book for everyone who seeks Him and
who will follow His Son, Jesus.
https://www.amazon.com/Braid-Novel-Laetitia-Colombani-ebook/dp/B07P5HMRTD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Braid&qid=1605216351&s=digital-text&sr=1-1http://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/connect/mailto:[email protected]
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What a privilege and joy we have being able to read God’s Holy
Word. Several members from Bethlehem are committing to read the
Daily Walk, starting January 1, 2021. These daily scriptures will
take you 15-20 minutes to read. We will begin a zoom discussion
every Thursday afternoon for the first 3 months, then switch to
Monday mornings. Thursday, January 7 at 1:00 pm will be the first
zoom discussion. Please contact Pastor Katie or Colleen
Beyer([email protected]) The Daily Walk Bible NIV by John Hoover.
Publisher - Tynsdale House Publisher COVID-19 Update: From Orange
to Red On Friday, November 20, Boulder County moved to the Red
status of Colorado’s COVID19 Dial. At this level we will make the
following adjustments and commitments:
1. Worship: We continue online worship services. Because of
rapidly increasing rates, we ask that anyone leading from the
sanctuary wear a mask, except when preaching. We have acquired some
mask-aids to help those who wear masks during worship. We hope this
helps those listening at home, too. We continue to look for ways to
make worship meaningful and safe.
2. Meetings and Groups: No indoor or outdoor in-person meetings.
We will continue scheduling Zoom gatherings. If you’d like a
gathering scheduled, please contact
[email protected].
3. Office: We will not be meeting in offices. One person may
work in an office at a time. Colorado (and we) recommend remote
work as much as possible.
4. Building: The building remains closed unless an appointment
is made through staff or approval is given through council. All
people entering the building must sign in and record their
temperature at the front door. Further instructions are listed by
the check-in log on the podium by the front door.
5. Travel: If you travel to a state with a seven-day rolling
average of 5% COVID19 positivity rate or higher for the time you
were there, please refrain from in-person visits to the church for
two weeks following your return. If you are scheduled to lead in
worship, please contact Brenda ([email protected]) and
we will find a substitute for you.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church will continue to heed the health
recommendations of relevant organizations—which include the ELCA,
Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS), the CDC, Boulder County Health, and the
State of Colorado. Please continue to follow our weekly email,
announcements, website, and Facebook posts for notifications of any
changes and updates to our current situation. Please call or email
with questions or needs during this time (303-776-3290),
mailto:[email protected]
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12.20.2020 4 AdvenDecember 20, 2020