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
Father in heaven, in many ways I have a lack of peace in this life. Wars rage on, stress is heightened by day-to-day news, and the future of my wellbeing physically, financially, and societally can distress my heart and mind. Calm my anxious heart today with the peace Jesus came to bring to me. Assure me that I have peace with you and that therefore any and all anxiousness is small by comparison and merely temporary. Give my mind rest in the knowledge of Christ born and successful for me. In his name I pray. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 363 Now Sing We, Now Rejoice
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING 1 Kings 8:6–13
HYMN 356 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
SECOND READING Colossians 3:12–17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 2:30,31
GOSPEL Luke 2:22–40
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 355 Let All Together Praise Our God
SERMON Luke 2:22-40 Peace, according to Your Word
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 358 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 361 Go, Tell It on the Mountain
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Offering Envelopes have arrived and are ready to pick up. You can find them organized (generally) alphabetically in the church basement.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY
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.
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
10:00 am Worship
WEDNESDAY 3:30 pm Public School Catechism Class
6:00 pm Education Committee
7:00 pm Church Council
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion