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 of all, I can sometimes view this time of the year as a hectic time, one that brings more work and extra stress. Refocus my mind and heart today as I am reminded that it’s the opposite: it’s great relief thanks to what you bring about in my heart through repentance. Help me have a change of mind about my sin so I can fully appreciate and rest in the work of the Savior. In his name I pray. Amen.
CHOIR A Voice Cries Out
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
HYMN 655 Before You, God, the Judge of All sts. 1, 3
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Malachi 3:1–7b
HYMN 576 Amazing Grace
SECOND READING Philippians 1:3–11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 3:4,6
GOSPEL Mark 1:1–8
HYMN OF THE DAY 316 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
SERMON Mark 1:1–8 John’s Preparations for Jesus Prepare Us Too
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 317 When All the World Was Cursed
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 308 There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADVENT WREATH
The symbolism provided by the Advent wreath next to the altar aids us in our Advent preparations for what we celebrate at Christmas as well as what we confidently anticipate with Christ’s return. The first candle, called the Prophecy Candle, reminds us to watch with hope in the one promised. This week we light the second Advent candle, called the Bethlehem Candle, reminding us of Jospeh and Mary’s travels to Bethlehem and the peace that was soon to be announced.
FELLOWSHIP HOUR TODAY
There will be Sunday School as usual today, but there will be no adult Bible study. Enjoy some coffee, snacks, and fellowship in between services in the church basement. The adult Bible study handout will still be printed for you if you’d like to study about Joseph and His Brothers from Genesis 37. Adult study will be back next week as we look at Joseph’s Troubles (Genesis 39).
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT – TODAY!
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 today, 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.
MIDWEEK STUDY
Our next midweek Bible study, The God of the Covenant, continues this week. Our study continues with The Holiness of the LORD, with 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!
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!
MEMORIAL GIVEN
In memory of Charles Arndt, a contribution of $1000 has been made to the St. Paul’s Church Endowment Fund.
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Fellowship Hour
10:00 am Worship
2:00 pm Advent by Candlelight
MONDAY 7:00 pm Choir Practice
TUESDAY 7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
6:30 pm Public School Catechism Class
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion