WELCOME TO WORSHIP
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus.
PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP
Lord Jesus, the time of Advent is a time of repentance and preparation for your second coming as we contemplate your first coming. I must confess that I have not always approached this time of the year with the proper fear of your holy judgment. Remind me this Advent that you are not just a lowly baby in a manger but the Lord of all, and especially remind me of why you, the God of all things, came for me: to shed your blood for my sins. In your name I pray. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 302 Prepare the Royal Highway
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
ABSOLUTION
Prayer and Praise
LORD, HAVE MERCY
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Word
FIRST READING Jeremiah 33:14–16
SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Luke 19:28–40
HYMN OF THE DAY 301 Savior of the Nations, Come
SERMON 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 Help Supply What Is Lacking
NICENE CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
The Sacrament
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 304 What Hope! An Eden Prophesied
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 319 Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 324 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
THANK THE LORD
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 309 The Advent of Our King
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
MIDWEEK STUDY
Our next midweek Bible study, The God of the Covenant, continues this week. Our study continues with The Righteousness of the LORD, with The Holiness of the LORD and The Justice of the LORD to follow. Join us on Tuesday nights and Wednesday mornings as we grow in faith and in a knowledge of the good things God has planned for us children of the new covenant.
DIVINE CALL EXTENDED
We have extended a divine call to Mrs. Karla Leitz to serve as our 3K/4K teacher and ECM director beginning in the fall of 2025. She currently teaches at Memorial Lutheran School in Mason, MI. Please join us in praying for Mrs. Leitz as she considers joining our ministry here in Bangor!
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT
Sign up now at church entry for this important event! St Paul’s Lutheran Church Ladies Aid will be hosting an Advent by Candlelight “Christmas Begins with Christ” for all women of the congregation and their female family members, friends and neighbors on Sunday, December 8th, at 2 p.m. in the church basement. Please join us for this wonderful afternoon of the word, music, and fellowship to help prepare your hearts for the Advent season before the holidays get into full swing.
KWIK TRIP CAR WASH CARDS
We are excited to sell Kwik Trip Car wash cards as part of our fundraiser for our upcoming class trip. If you’re interested in purchasing a card there is a flyer on the bulletin board in the lobby of church. If you have any questions, please call Susie Johnson at 608-790-8911 or Kelly Langrehr 608-633-1325.
WHEN CANCER COMES
Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) has released a new 3-book series: When Cancer Comes. From Scripture and their own experiences, the authors share words of encouragement and gospel comfort with you and your loved ones as you face cancer—with God’s hope. The three books are entitled God, Why Is This Happening?, God, Where’s My Hope?, and God, Can I Complain? All three books have been purchased and placed in the basement cabinets if you’re interested in checking them out from our church library.
LIVE NATIVITY
Start a new family tradition of sharing the good news of Christ’s birth with THOUSANDS by volunteering down at Riverside Park. Our church’s weekend is December 21 and 22 (Saturday 5-10pm…Sunday 5-9pm). Many people are needed to staff the live nativity. Pick a night or two and come down for any amount of time you can spare. If you can’t make that weekend, you may also volunteer December 7,8,14,15 or 25. Sign up using one of the following ways: 1) Under the event on the Live Nativity Riverside- Diorama Facebook page, 2) Text/call Sara Stratman 608-351-9234 or sara22stratman@gmail.com, or 3) Scan the QR code.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY BOOK
Seeking a Gentle & Quiet Spirit in a Harsh and Noisy World by Amber Albee Swenson is a twelve-lesson women’s Bible study book that will challenge and encourage readers to pursue the unfading beauty described in 1 Peter chapter 3 while facing the varied land mines that our modern culture places in the Christian woman’s path. You can order it at the QR code to the right.
LUTHER HIGH CONCERTS
As Christmas draws closer, there are two upcoming concert opportunities at Luther High School! On Sunday, December 8, Coulee Chorale will present their Christmas Concert – “Prepare the Way of the Lord” – at 2:00 pm. On Saturday, December 14, The bands and choirs of Luther High School will present their Christmas Concert – “Love’s Pure Light” – at 7:00 pm. (This is a different day of the week/time than in the past!) Both are fantastic ways to celebrate our Savior’s birth!
LUTHER HIGH HOME STRETCH
Luther High School is more than just a place of learning; it is a beacon of hope, faith, and opportunity. The impact of your support is evident in the lives of countless alumni who carry the values learned here into the world, contributing to their communities. Your belief in our mission inspires us and has enabled us to embark on one of the most ambitious building projects in our history. This venture is an investment in the future of our students and the legacy of our school. We aim to provide a Christ-centered environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and spiritual growth. While the building project was completed in 2021, our work to pay off the remaining $2.9 million mortgage continues. We are grateful for the $9 million in gifts received to date. Monthly payments of $20,131 are funded entirely by donations, ensuring our operating expenses remain unaffected. Our “Home Stretch” campaign focuses on finishing this final segment by October of 2027, and we cannot cross the finish line without your continued support. Your partnership is essential in making this dream a reality. We are close to completing this monumental effort. Your investment today will pave the way for future generations of Luther High School students, ensuring they benefit from the nurturing environment that has been our cornerstone for 67 years. If you have any questions or wish to discuss how you can help, please contact John Byus at 608-769-0396 or byusjohn@luther.k12.wi.us. Thank you for considering a gift to help us complete this vital project. Together, we will ensure that Luther High School remains a place where students learn and grow in faith and purpose, ready to make a positive impact in the world. With deepest appreciation and God’s richest blessings, Home Stretch Committee, Luther High School.
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion
MONDAY 7:00 pm Choir Practice
TUESDAY 10:00 am Mornings with Mommy
7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
6:00 pm Education Committee Meeting
7:00 pm Council Meeting
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
2:00 pm Advent by Candlelight