2nd Sunday of Christmas

January 5, 2020

W e l c o m e t o E m a n u e l If you have any questions or need assistance of any kind, please see an usher or ask any of Emanuel’s parishioners.

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ALL ARE WELCOME AT EMANUEL Recognizing that we live in a broken world, Christ calls us to reconciliation and wholeness. As members of Emanuel Lutheran Church and children of a loving and merciful God, we acknowledge that this reconciliation extends to people of any gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, race, culture, physical or mental ability, economic circumstances, relationship status, or any person that has ever experienced pain or oppression. Because members of different communities may have been excluded from the Church in the past, we wish to make explicit our welcome to all. It is for this purpose that we affirm that ALL people are welcome here, just as they are, con-tributing their individuality to the wholeness of the Body of Christ.

Hymns are taken from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Service Book & Hymnal (the red book), unless otherwise indicated.

PLEASE SILENCE AND REFRAIN FROM USING phones and other electronic devices during the service.

The congregation is invited to stand for the parts of the service that are marked with an asterisk “*”. If you are unable to stand you may remain seated.

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God.

SERVING THIS SUNDAY

Presider & Preacher ................................................ The Reverend Dr. Paula V. Mehmel Assisting Minister .................................................................................. ...Janice Favreau Crucifer .............................................................................................. ...Brittany Caldwell Acolyte ........................................................................................................ ...AJ Caldwell Lectors .............................................. Pam Olson (8:00 AM), Janice Favreau (10:00 AM) Greeters ....................................................................................... Lynn and Lee Sherman Communion Preparers ................................................. Bob and Rosie Vojtek(8:00 AM), ................................................................................ Val and Craig McDonald (10:00 AM) Coffee Hour Hosts .................................................. Melanie, Henry, and Charles Sinche Director of Music .................................................................. Jonathan Reuning-Scherer

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PRELUDE Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel”

During the prelude, you are invited into a time of silent prayer and reflection.

WELCOME

* CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, Love from the beginning, Word made flesh, Breath of heaven.

C: Amen. P: Let us confess our sinfulness before God and one another, trusting in God’s endless mercy and love.

Silence is kept for reflection. Merciful God, C: we confess that we are not perfect. We have said and done things we regret. We have tried to earn your redeeming grace, while denying it to others. We have resisted your call to be your voice in the world. Forgive us, loving God. Give us your righteousness, the strength to put aside our failures, and the courage to try again. Amen. P: Dear people of God, hear the good news: Christ the Savior is born! You are loved and forgiven in the name of Jesus, who has come among us. You are freed from proving that you deserve to be loved, because God’s love is given to you as the most precious gift of all. Rejoice in this love and share it with the world.

C: Amen.

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*OPENING HYMN Love has Come 292

* GREETING P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirt, be with you all. C: And also with you.

*PRAYER OF THE DAY P: O God our redeemer, C: you created light that we might live, and you illumine our world with your beloved Son. By your Spirit comfort us in all darkness, and turn us toward the light of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHILDREN’S ACCLAMATION Jesus, What a Wonderful Child 297

NOISY OFFERING

Children may proceed downstairs to Sunday School

READING: Ephesians 1:3-14 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Be-loved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespass-es, according to the riches of his grace 8that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and in-sight 9he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11In Christ we have also obtained an inher-itance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13In him you also, when you had

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heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Word of God, word of Life C: Thanks be to God.

* GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Angels from the Realms of Glory (vs. 1, 4) 275

Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth; once you sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth:

Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ , the newborn king.

All creation, join in praising God, the Father, Spirit, Son, evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One.

Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.

* GOSPEL: John 1:[1-9] 10-18

P: The holy gospel according to John C: Glory to you, O Lord.

[1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and with-out him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.] 10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will

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of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

P: The gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ

SERMON

* HYMN OF THE DAY Lo, How a Rose (vs. 1, 3, 4) See Page 11

*PRAYERS After each petition P: Hear us, O God.

C: Your mercy is great.

* PEACE P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you.

We offer each other a sign of God’s peace.

OFFERING While Shepherds Watched Choir

* PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS P: We offer our gifts – our time, our talent, and our treasure - to God,

in thanksgiving for all that God has given us.

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OFFERTORY Good Christian Friends (vs. 1)

*OFFERING PRAYER AM: Together, let us pray,

C: Generous God, you have given us life, this community, and these gifts of the earth that become the meal of your grace. Move in our hearts, that we might use your gifts to bring hope and blessing wherever we go, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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* THE GREAT THANKSGIVING P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is right to give our thanks and praise. P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

* HOLY, HOLY (Sung to tune of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’)

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord! God of hosts, by all adored! Heaven’n and Earth cannot contain, all the Glory of Your Name! Hail, Hosanna, God most high! Blest is he who now draws nigh,

In the Name of God the King! Hallelujahs glad we sing; Hail, Hosanna! Praises Due, Be Forever, Lord, to you!

* EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

* LORD'S PRAYER C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;

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and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

* INVITATION TO COMMUNION P: Love has come: God’s love for all people. Come and eat, for Christ invites you.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION All are welcome The sacrament is offered using the practice of intinction. Please dip the bread into either the red wine or white grape juice. Gluten-free wafers are offered on a special tray, along with contaminant-free glasses of wine and grape juice. Please indicate your need to the Communion Servers. If you are unable to come forward, please let the usher know and we will be happy to bring communion to you. Those who prefer not to com-mune are invited to come forward for a blessing. Children will receive a goldfish cracker as a reminder of God’s love for them. COMMUNION MUSIC Away in a Manger See Page 12

* POST COMMUNION BLESSING

P: May the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in His grace. C: Amen.

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* PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION AM: Let us pray, Emmanuel, God with us, you grace us with life and breath and give us bread for the journey. Send us out in service to this world that you love, telling the amazing news of your coming to be Savior and Lord of all.

C: Amen.

* BLESSING P: Grace from God’s own heart, peace from the Child in the manger, and strength from the Spirit of life be blessings for you today and forever.

C: Amen.

* CLOSING HYMN We have Seen the Messiah See Page 11

* DISMISSAL P: Christ is born! Go tell it on the mountain and everywhere.

C: Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Following the service this morning, please join us downstairs for coffee and fellowship.

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We have seen the Messiah

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Announcements Food Pantry Expanding to Fourth Sundays-We are expanding our food pantry by adding another day. We will open it on the 4th Sunday of each month from 11:30-1:30. Please let Naomi know, or sign up online or in Luther Hall. We hope to get enough volunteers so that people don’t have to be there every month, while also having sufficient coverage. Also, if you are interested in volunteering on Saturdays, please let us know. Ushers and Communion Servers-We are in need of ushers and communion servers for our 10:00 am services. For each week, we need 5 communion servers and 4 ushers. Please sign up online using the link that is on the website and in the weekly email. If you have any questions, please speak to Bob Graulich.

Annual Reports-Committee Chairs, please submit your annual reports to Sarah Asmar at sarah. asmar@emanuelhartford.org.

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Emanuel News

Upcoming Events at Emanuel Jan 5-Christmas 2, Services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, Sunday School Jan 7-CT Genealogists in Luther Hall at 10:00 AM Jan 7-Neonatal Bereavement in the Lounge at 7:00 PM Jan 9-Prayer Shawl Ministry at 9:30 AM Jan 9-Bible Study at 10:00 AM Jan 9-Bell Choir at 6:15 PM Jan 9-Choir at 7:30 Jan 10-Friday Night Program at 3:30 PM Jan 11-Sprout Program at 10:00 AM Jan 12-Baptism of our Lord, Services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, Sunday School Jan 13-Know Thy Neighbor at 6:30 PM Jan 14-Property Committee at 7:00 PM Jan 16-Prayer Shawl Ministry at 9:30 AM Jan 16-Bible Study at 10:00 AM Jan 16-Bell Choir at 6:15 PM Jan 17-Friday Night Program 3:30 PM Jan 18-Food Pantry at 10:00 AM Jan 18-Sprout Program at 10:00 AM Jan 19-Epiphany 2, Services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Jan 19-African Worship at 5:00 PM Jan 21-Church Council at 7:00 PM Jan 23-Prayer Shawl Ministry at 9:30AM Jan 23-Bible Study at 10:00 AM Jan 24-Friday Night Program at 3:30 PM

Jan 25-Sprout Program at 10:00 AM Jan 26-Epiphany 3, Services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, Sunday School Jan 26-Food Pantry at 11:30 AM Jan 27-Know Thy Neighbor at 6:30 PM Jan 28-Church Council at 6:00 PM Jan 30-Prayer Shawl Ministry at 9:30 AM Jan 30-Bible Study at 10:00 AM Jan 30-Bell Choir at 6:15 PM Jan 30-Choir at 7:30 PM Jan 31-Friday Night Program at 3:30 PM Requests for the Food Pantry Shelf Stable milk, evaporated milk Cooking Oils (small sizes encouraged) Sugar (small sizes encouraged) Instant Coffee and Tea Canned corn Canned meats Flour Condiments (mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce etc.) Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo etc.) Cereal, Instant Oatmeal, Instant Grits Snacks for kids (juice boxes, granola bars, fruit snacks, goldfish or animal crackers, applesauce, fruit cups) Feminine products Adult Diapers Spices (salt, pepper, cinnamon, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sugar, vanilla, etc.) Paper towels Toilet paper Dishwashing and Laundry Detergent (small sizes encouraged)

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SERVING NEXT SUNDAY

Presider/Preacher .............................................................. The Reverend Dr. Paula V. Mehmel Assisting Minister .................................................................................................................. TBD Acolyte and Crucifer ............................................................... Gavin Emmons and Ava Johnson Lectors.................................................... Alejandro Morales (8:00 AM) Walt Dwyer (10:00 AM) Greeters ............................................................................................................ Melissa Johnson Communion Preparer (8:00 AM) ........................................................................ Xavier Morales Communion Preparer (10:00 AM) ....................................................................... Lynne Strecker Coffee Hour ......................................................................................................... Naomi Ngoma Director of Music ............................................................................. Jonathan Reuning-Scherer

Emanuel Lutheran Church 311 Capitol Avenue

Hartford, Connecticut 06106 Office: 860-525-0894 Emergency: 860-365-9510

www.emanuelhartford.org www.facebook.com/emanuelhartford

The Reverend Dr. Paula V. Mehmel Senior Pastor—extension 2 PastorPaula@emanuelhartford.org

The Reverend Elizabeth Krentz-Wee Visitation Pastor—extension 3 PastorElizabeth@emanuelhartford.org

Jonathan Reuning-Scherer Director of Music Jonathan.rs@emanuelhartford.org

Jeff Potter Christian Education Jeff.Potter@emanuelhartford.org

Jane Wunder Operations Manager—extension 5 Jane.Wunder@emanuelhartford.org

Naomi Ngoma Community Life & Outreach —extension 4 Naomi.Ngoma@emanuelhartford.org

Sarah Asmar Administrative Assistant—extension 10 Sarah.Asmar@emanuelhartford.org

Rachid Chelali Sexton

Please remember the following individuals in your prayers.

David Parmelee † Erin Krentz † Marion Krentz † Burt Hedling † Caleb Gray †

Peggy Zachariasen † Carol Johnson † Karin Gottier † Joy Johansen

Homebound: Ellie Olson † Elaine Wilson † Doris Barron † Barbara Erskine † Betty Fairchild † Inger Swanson † Beverly Swanson