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, despite being the Son of God, your humility on display on Palm Sunday as you rode to die for me is the perfect example of what I anticipate in Advent. Thinking of your arrival I might be overtaken by fear because of my many sins and because I know who you really are despite the appearance. Fill me not with fear but with joy as I remember that I’m anticipating the same King who humbled himself and went to the cross to save me. In your name I pray. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 309 The Advent of Our King
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Isaiah 2:1–5
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 24B
SECOND READING Philippians 4:4–7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Philippians 2:10
GOSPEL Matthew 21:1–11
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 301 Savior of the Nations, Come
SERMON Isaiah 2:1–5 Let Your Heart Stream to the Cross
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERTORY 750 We Give Thee but Thine Own
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 319 Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 306 Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
MONDAY 7:00 pm Church Choir Practice
TUESDAY 7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
6:00 pm Education Committee Meeting
7:00 pm Church Council Meeting
SATURDAY 5:00 pm St. Paul’s at the Live Nativity
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion
5:00 pm St. Paul’s at the Live Nativity
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
NO GLORIA?
Both Advent and Lent are seasons that emphasize repentance. Thus, the Lutheran Church has traditionally removed the Gloria (the song of praise following Confession and Absolution that begins “Glory to God…”) during the season of Advent just as it does so during the season of Lent. As we await the arrival of our King on the Last Day in view of his first arrival at Christmas, we want to prepare our hearts with repentance to receive him in faith. We look forward to singing the Gloria again in the season of Christmas as we joyously celebrate the arrival of the Son of God incarnate, our Savior.
OFFERING PLATES TO BE PASSED AGAIN – STARTING TODAY
Beginning today, the ushers will once again pass the offering plates after the sermon. The congregation is invited to sing the offertory as they are passed praising God and expressing thanks for his gifts. If you give your offering online, you can continue to do so at the link in the QR code inside the front cover of each worship bulletin.
OFFERING ENVELOPES READY FOR 2026
You can find the new offering envelopes for 2026 in the church basement organized (mostly) alphabetically by last name.
MIDWEEK STUDY: DEFENDING THE FAITH
Defending the Faith is a six-lesson apologetics Bible study to help Christians thoughtfully and lovingly engage in conversation with skeptics of the Christian faith. We do this using God’s eternal truths as well as God’s gift of reason, which is rooted in gentleness and respect. All this with the goal of love towards neighbor. May this study lead us to see apologetics as a ministry of caring for others!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE PRACTICES
Children in the public school grades 4K through 8th grade are welcome to join in the Christmas Eve service. Copies of the program and practice schedule have been placed in the narthex (bottom shelf of where you pick up worship bulletins). If you have any questions about the program or possible transportation from the public school for practices, call the school at 608-486-2641.
SCHOOL CUSTODIAN
St. Paul’s school is looking for a custodian to work part-time. If you or someone you know are interested in the position, please contact Blake Horstman at 608-461-2786.
BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS LUNCHES?
Our next Bible Information Class will begin on Sunday, January 11th, after second service at 11:30 am, and will continue each Sunday until Palm Sunday. We hope to serve lunch to the attendees as they study the Word with interest in joining our fellowship. If you would be willing to organize and serve lunch for one or more of these Sundays, please contact Pastor Groth.
JOIN OUR SNOW REMOVAL TEAM
We hate to think of snow, but it will be coming eventually. We have had a great group of volunteers that have kept the church sidewalk clear. It would be helpful if we could get a few more willing participants to spread the load a bit. If you are available and willing to join this crew of fine individuals, we would sincerely appreciate it. Please contact Dan Arndt at 608-269-1200.
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT – DECEMBER 7TH
St Paul’s Ladies Aid will host an Advent by Candlelight, by women for women, for ladies of the congregation, female family members and friends on December 7th at 2:00 pm in the church basement. The theme for the event is “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus.” There is no charge for the event. This is a wonderful afternoon of Word, music and fellowship to help prepare your hearts for the Advent season before the holidays get into full swing. Refreshments will be served. To help the committee plan, please sign up on the bulletin board in the entryway.
LIVE NATIVITY
Mark your calendars and start a new family tradition of sharing the good news of Christ’s birth with THOUSANDS by volunteering for the Live Nativity at Riverside Park. Our church’s weekend is early this year, December 6 and 7 (Saturday 5-10pm…Sunday 5-9pm). Many people are needed to staff the Live Nativity. Children as young as first grade are welcome! Please plan to participate in this wonderful fellowship event! Sign up using one of the following ways: 1) Go to www.nativitydiorama.com, 2) Use the QR Code to the right, 3) Sign up with Sara Stratman in the church narthex, or 4) Text/call Sara at 608-351-9234.
COULEE CHORALE IS BACK
Join us as the Coulee Chorale is back again for a 2025 Christmas Concert in December! Any WELS member at one of the Luther High School Association churches can join. Rehearsals are held at Luther High School on November 23 and 30 from 6:00-8:00 pm and on December 6 from 9:00-11:00 am. This year’s concert is on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm. You can sign up today at https://forms.gle/zYUVdjvNiYhzacxz5. Questions? Contact Paul Adickes at adicpaul@luther.k12.wi.us or 608-783-5435, ext.1340.
GOOD STEWARD FORMAL WEAR OPEN HOUSE
Do you know a girl looking for a Prom or Winter Formal dress (even for next year homecoming)? Are you looking for that special Mother dress for your child’s wedding? Or just a formal dress you didn’t know you needed? Good Steward has you covered! On Monday January 19th, 2026, head to Good Steward for their private (invitation only) 2nd Annual Formal Wear Event. It starts at 3pm and will be open until 6pm, refreshments provided. You can browse through over 200+ (NEW/ used once) dresses, all sizes and styles, that are between $10-$70. If you have questions please contact Kelly Valletta (Coordinating Event) 651-564-0701 or call the store 608-779-9763.
PRAYERS
This week we keep in our prayers: Brian Berg, Gary and Christa Lemke, Clarice Koltermann, Marcie Richmond, Herb Miller, Ron and Marilyn Meyer, Dan Chandler, Vivian Havens, Greg and Twyla Krueger, Chuck Melcher, Kelly Langrer, and Nicole Wakeen.