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 Christ, you are the source of my every lasting joy. Forgive me when I seek joy that is fleeting over and above the joy you bring through the gospel, and cleanse me of every desire to find my joy of salvation in trusting in myself. Point me today to you and your sacrifice as the true source of joy, and refresh me in the message of sins forgiven and eternal life given. In your name I pray. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 319 Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
ABSOLUTION
EXHORTATION
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Isaiah 61:1–3,10-11
SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Matthew 11:10
GOSPEL John 1:6–8,19–28
HYMN OF THE DAY 324 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
SERMON Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11 A Joyous Gift Exchange
NICENE CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
The Sacrament
PREFACE
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
LORD’S PRAYER
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
LAMB OF GOD
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 320 As Angels Joyed with One Accord
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 315 Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 312 Comfort, Comfort All My People
THANKSGIVING
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 493 Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
ENDOWMENT TRANSFER OF FUNDS
St. Paul’s school has received a transfer of funds of $6,503.93 from the School Endowment Trust. We are thankful for the generous and thoughtful contributions of past and present members to the Endowment Trust. Those gifts continue to bless and support our 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 7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
FRIDAY 8:15 pm Full Children’s Christmas Service Practice
NEXT SUNDAY 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
NEXT MONDAY 9:00 am Christmas Day Hymn Festival Service