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
Heavenly Father, you promised a Savior long ago to Adam and Eve after they sinned. You reaffirmed that promise throughout the millennia and brought it to complete fulfillment in sending your Son. Reaffirm your promises to me today not just of my forgiveness but also of the promise that he will come back. Bring anticipation to my heart today that I can celebrate now as you promise I will then. In the King’s name I pray. Amen.
CHOIR An Advent Hymn
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
HYMN 309 The Advent of Our King
FIRST READING 2 Samuel 7:8–16
SECOND READING Romans 16:25–27
HYMN 360 Behold, a Branch Is Growing
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Matthew 1:23
GOSPEL Luke 1:26–38
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 327 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
SERMON 2 Samuel 7:8-16 David’s House is Christ’s House is Your House
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 328 The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 349 A Great and Mighty Wonder
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Christmas Eve:
8:00 & 10:00 am – Worship
9:10 am – Sunday School Christmas Video in Sanctuary
9:15 am – Fellowship Hour (no Bible study)
4:30 & 6:00 pm – Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Day:
9:00 am – Christmas Hymn Festival Service
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Offering Envelopes have arrived and are ready to pick up. You can find them organized (generally) alphabetically in the church basement.
ST. PAUL’S APPAREL
St. Paul’s apparel orders have arrived and are ready for pickup in the church basement. School families can find their orders in the office at school. If you need to arrange a special pickup of your order, please contact Pastor Groth. A few Redwings hats are also available for purchase. Contact Pastor Groth if interested.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY
We will show a movie in the sanctuary during Sunday School time today. Sunday School and Sunday Bible study will return on January 7.
SNOW REMOVAL AGAIN
We were not successful in expanding the number of helpers during the week for snow removal. Therefore, it is being covered by our core group of great volunteers. However, we did hear from a number of potential volunteers that said they could help on the weekend. This would take some of the burden off those who are covering the weekdays. If you are willing to become part of the snow removal team on the weekends, please contact Dan Arndt at dana@arndtbuswellthorn.com or 608-269-1200.
GIVING TREE
The Ladies Aid has put up a Giving Tree in the narthex. Feel free to bring something to place on the tree as a gift to someone else, and feel free to grab something from the tree for yourself!
MIDWEEK STUDY – THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Our midweek Bible study is on one of the most interesting books of Scripture: Revelation. Chapter by chapter the author cuts a pathway through each vision and prophecy of Revelation until he reaches the clearing where we behold a new heaven and a new earth. The 12 Lessons include: The Purpose, Outline and Interpretation of the Book; The Letters to the Seven Churches; God’s Rule of the World; The Seven Seals; God’s Judgment of the World; The Church Secure and Glorified; The Devil and His Helpers Appear; The Seven Bowls of Wrath; The Downfall of the Devil’s Allies; The Millennium; The New Heaven and the New Earth; and Review. Join us as we continue to dive into the imagery and meaning of Christ our Savior in the book of Revelation.
CHILI SUPPER
On January 20th, from 4:00-8:00 pm, our grades 5-8 students will be hosting a chili supper in the church basement. A freewill donation can be given at the door. Carry-outs are available. Homemade lefse will be sold the day of the event. Proceeds will help support their school trip in May.
HEALTHY MARRIAGE
WELS Discipleship has scheduled a Marriage Enrichment weekend, Jan. 19-21, 2024. It’s hosted at the Stella Hotel and Ballroom in Kenosha, WI.
Jesus has identified “determinants of a healthy marriage,” things that affect the health of your marriage. As it turns out, the same factors that contribute to a healthy life with Jesus contribute to a healthy marriage. Healthy Marriage will help you learn those “determinants of a healthy marriage.” More than that, Healthy Marriage will equip you to practice them and maintain the health of your marriage long after this memorable weekend retreat.
The weekend includes lodging for two days, breakfast on both days, lunch on Saturday, and all workshop materials. The deadline to register is Dec. 19, 2023 (use QR code). Register early; space is limited.
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
4:30 pm Children’s Christmas Eve Service
6:00 pm Children’s Christmas Eve Service
MONDAY 9:00 am Christmas Day Hymn Festival Service
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship
10:00 am Worship