Service with Communion Simplified Spoken Form

Service with CommunionSimplified Spoken Form

This Service is a revision of the

“Simplified form of the communion service”

Released by the LCA Commission on Worship in

1989.

4

second Sunday OF

advent

4th December, 2011

WATCHING

Opening sentenceM: John said: 'After me will come one

more powerful than I, C: the thongs of whose sandals I am

not worthy to stoop down and untie.

M: I baptise you with water, C: but he will baptise you with the

Holy Spirit.' (Mark 1:7,8 NIV)

PREPARATIONM: In the name of the Father and of

the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.C: Amen

8

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

M: Friends in Christ: Let us confess our sins to God our Father and ask him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.


C: We confess that we are born in bondage to sin

And cannot free ourselves.We have sinned against you in

thought, word, and deed,By what we have doneAnd by what we have failed to do.


We have not loved you with our whole heart,

And we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves.

We deserve your eternal punishment.


For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,

Have mercy on us.Forgive us, renew us, and lead us,

so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.


M: As a called and ordained servant of the word, I announce the grace of God to all of you. On behalf of my Lord Jesus Christ, and by his command, I forgive the sins of all of you who repent and believe, in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

We Sing:

The gentle Shepherd calls

LHS 832 CAL 293Philip Doddridge 1702-1751

Recast Henry Ustic Onderdonk 1789-1858Revised Supplement compilers

The gentle Shepherd calls1. The gentle Shepherd callsthe lambs to his embrace;he takes them in his loving arms,enfolds then in his grace.

The gentle Shepherd calls2. ‘Let them approach’, he cries,‘nor scorn their humble name;the heirs of heaven are such as these,for such as these I came.’

The gentle Shepherd calls3. In thankfulness we bringour children, Lord, to you,with joy that we ourselves are yours;as yours receive them too.

†

18

Holy Baptism

Welcome in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

19

Holy baptismSCRIPTURAL COMMAND

Our Lord Jesus Christ says: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

20

Holy baptismADDRESS

The word of God teaches that we are born sinful and unclean, but God washes us clean in the waters of baptism, and we are born again as his children. Through baptism our heavenly Father forgives us our sins and unites us with our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we share in his death and resurrection. And the Holy Spirit renews us and gives us eternal life.

21

Holy baptismADMONITION

Parents and sponsors of Zoe : Since you have brought her to be baptised,

you are responsible for her upbringing in the church. Remember her in your prayers. Bring her to the services in God's house and teach her the Lord's Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments. Remind her of her baptism, set her a good example, and provide for her instruction in the faith.

Do you intend to do this? Yes, I do.

22

Holy baptismOPENING OF EARS AND MOUTH

The Lord made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. Therefore in His name I say: Be opened, so that you may hear and speak the word of God.

23

Holy baptismSIGNING WITH THE CROSS

Zoe, receive the mark of the holy cross †, as a sign that Christ the crucified has redeemed you.

24

Holy baptismPRAYER

M: Let us pray.Eternal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: give Zoe your grace through rebirth by the Holy Spirit. Receive her according to your promise: ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.’

25

Holy baptismPRAYER

Wash her clean and make her holy, so that she may enter your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen.

26

Holy baptismRECEPTION OF GOSPEL

Zoe, receive the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ who says: I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again; no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born through water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

27

LORD’S PRAYER

Zoe, when Jesus taught his disciples to pray he gave them his own prayer. Receive the prayer of our Lord as we pray together:

28

LORD’S PRAYER(We pray together)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

29

Holy baptismTRANSITIONAL BLESSING

M: The Lord watch over you, as you go out and as you come in, now and forever.

C: Amen

30

Holy baptismRENUNCIATION AND CONFESSION

Parents and Sponsors :

Answer on behalf of Zoe as she renounces the devil and declares allegiance to the Triune God.

31

Holy baptismZoe Charlotte Schultz, do you reject the

devil and everything he does, so that you will no longer be led by him?

Yes, I do.Zoe, do you believe in God, the Father

almighty, maker of heaven and earth?Yes, I do.

32

Holy baptismDo you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son,

our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried? He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Yes, I do.

33

Holy baptismDo you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy

catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting?

Yes, I do.

* or: Christian; 'catholic' here means 'universal’

34

Holy baptismDESIRE FOR BAPTISM

Zoe, do you want to be baptised? Yes, I do.

35

Holy baptismBAPTISM

Zoe Charlotte Schultz, I baptise you in the name of the Father †

and of the Son †

and of the Holy Spirit †.

Amen.

36

Holy baptismLAYING ON OF HANDS

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given you new birth by water and the Spirit and has forgiven you all your sins, strengthen you with his Spirit, so that you receive eternal life.

Amen.

37

Holy baptismPRESENTATION OF CANDLE

Because you belong to the Lord, you are in the light. So live as a child of the light.

38

Holy baptismPRAYER

Let us pray for Zoe.Merciful Father, we thank you that you

extend your church throughout the world. As you have written Zoe’s name in the book of life and have made her a member of the body of your Son, guide her, so that with all your saints, she may reach her heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

39

Holy baptismRECEPTION

Members of Trinity congregation: Receive Zoe, whom God has given to us as our sister in Christ. Pray for her and be a good example to her.

40

Holy baptismPEACE

The peace of the Lord † be with you.Amen.

41

Liturgy of the word

GREETINGM: The Lord be with you.C: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAYM: Let us pray that we are ready for

Christ's coming. C: Merciful God,

you sent your messengers to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.

PRAYER OF THE DAYTurn us away from our sins, so that we greet our coming

redeemer, Jesus Christ, with joy. For he lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

FIRST READING

Isaiah 40:1-11

Prepare the way of the LordCEV

i saiah 40:1-11

R: The first reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent is written in chapter 40 of Isaiah beginning at verse 1.

Our God has said: "Encourage my people! Give them

comfort. 2Speak kindly to Jerusalem and announce: Your slavery is past; your punishment is over. I, the LORD, made you pay double for your sins.”

i saiah 40:1-11 3Someone is shouting: "Clear a path in

the desert! Make a straight road for the LORD our God. 4Fill in the valleys; flatten every hill and mountain. Level the rough and rugged ground. 5Then the glory of the LORD will appear for all to see. The LORD has promised this!”

i saiah 40:1-11 6Someone told me to shout, and I

asked, "What should I shout?" We humans are merely grass, and we last no longer than wild flowers. 7At the LORD'S command, flowers and grass disappear, and so do we. 8Flowers and grass fade away, but what our God has said will never change.

i saiah 40:1-11 9There is good news for the city of Zion.

Shout it as loud as you can from the highest mountain. Don't be afraid to shout to the towns of Judah, "Your God is here!"

10Look! The powerful LORD God is coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings with him what he has taken in war, and he rewards his people.

i saiah 40:1-11 11The LORD cares for his nation, just as

shepherds care for their flocks. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep.

This is the Word of the Lord.C: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 85:1,2,8-13 CEV

R: The Psalm is Psalm 851Our LORD, you have blessed your

land and made all go well for Jacob's descendants.

C: 2You have forgiven the sin and taken away the guilt of your people.

Psalm 85:1,2,8-13 CEV

R: 8I will listen to you, LORD God, because you promise peace to those who are faithful and no longer foolish.

C: 9You are ready to rescue everyone who worships you, so that you will live with us in all of your glory.

Psalm 85:1,2,8-13 CEV

R: 10Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite.

C: 11Loyalty will sprout from the ground; justice will look down from the sky above.

Psalm 85:1,2,8-13 CEV

R: 12Our LORD, you will bless us; our land will produce wonderful crops.

C: 13Justice will march in front, making a path for you to follow.

C: Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

SECOND READING

2 Peter 3:8-15a

The day of the Lord CEV

2 Peter 3:8-15aR: The second reading is written in

Chapter 3 of 2nd Peter beginning at verse 8.

8Dear friends, don't forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day.

2 Peter 3:8-15a9The Lord isn't slow about keeping his

promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.

2 Peter 3:8-15a10The day of the LORD'S return will

surprise us like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are.

2 Peter 3:8-15a11Everything will be destroyed. So you

should serve and honour God by the way you live. 12You should look forward to the day when God judges everyone, and you should try to make it come soon. On that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and everything else will melt in the heat.

2 Peter 3:8-15a13But God has promised us a new

heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. We are really looking forward to that!

2 Peter 3:8-15a14My friends, while you are waiting, you

should make certain that the Lord finds you pure, spotless, and living at peace. 15Don't forget that the Lord is patient because he wants people to be saved.

This is the Word of the Lord.C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL

John the Baptist prepares the way CEV

John the Baptist prepares the way CEV

Mark 1:1-8 M: The Holy Gospel is written in

Chapter 1 of the Gospel according to St Mark beginning at verse 1.

C: Glory to You O Lord.

Mark 1:1-8 M: This is the good news about Jesus

Christ, the Son of God. 2It began just as God had said in the book written by Isaiah the prophet, "I am sending my messenger to get the way ready for you. 3In the desert someone is shouting, 'Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.' “

Mark 1:1-8 4So John the Baptist showed up in the

desert and told everyone, "Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven."

5From all Judea and Jerusalem crowds of people went to John. They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

Mark 1:1-8 6John wore clothes made of camel's

hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

Mark 1:1-8 7John also told the people, "Someone

more powerful is going to come. And I am not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!"

This is the Gospel of the Lord.C: Praise to you, O Christ.

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL

M: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for sending John the Baptist to

announce your coming to save people.

Help us to repent and believe in you.C: Amen.

APOSTLE’S CREED

C: I believe in God, the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

APOSTLE’S CREED

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy

Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.

APOSTLE’S CREED

He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the

dead.He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the

Father almighty, from thence he will come to judge

the living and the dead.

APOSTLE’S CREED

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.*or: Christian; ‘catholic’ here means ‘universal’

We Sing:

O how shall I receive Thee v, 1,4,6

LH10 CAL 293Wie soll ich dich empfangen Paul Gerhardt 1607-76Tr cento, based partly on W Mercer's 'Church Psalter

and Hymn Book' 1859, rev

O how shall I receive Thee

1. O how shall I receive you,how greet you, Lord, aright?All nations long to see you,my hope, my heart's delight.O Jesus, dearest Saviour,now guide me by your lightthat all I do may everbe pleasing in your sight.


4. Rejoice, then, you sad-hearted,who sit in deepest gloom,who mourn for joys departedand tremble at your doom.Do not despair, he's near you,he's standing at the door,he comes to help and cheer you,so you need cry no more.•


6. He comes to judge the nations,and all will see his face;he comes with consolationto those who seek his grace.O hasten your appearing,eternal sun, and come;shine down with light so cheeringand guide us safely home. †

SERMON

WATCHING

We Sing:

On Jordan’s Bank LH13 CAL 293

Charles Coffin (1676-1749) Tr. John Chandler, 1837‘Hymns Ancient and Modern’, 1861

On Jordan’s Bank1. On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cryAnnounces that the Lord is nigh;Awake and hearken, for he bringsGlad tidings of the King of kings.

On Jordan’s Bank2. Then cleansed be every heart from sin;Make straight the way for God within;Prepare we in our hearts a home,Where such a mighty guest may come.

On Jordan’s Bank3. For You are our salvation, Lord,Our refuge and our great reward;Without Your grace we waste awayLike flowers that wither and decay.

On Jordan’s Bank4. To heal the sick stretch out Your hand,And bid the fallen sinner stand;Shine forth, and let Your light restoreEarth’s own true loveliness once more.

On Jordan’s Bank5. All praise, eternal Son, to YouWhose advent sets Your people free,Whom with the Father we adore,And Holy Spirit evermore.

†

OFFERING PRAYERC: Lord, lead us to show in our lives,

by our repentance and faith,that we are your people.

As you have made us holy,help us to live holy lives,dedicated to you,preparing the way for your coming.

Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCHCall to prayer

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has baptised us with the Holy Spirit, and given us the privilege of calling God 'Father'. Let us pray to our Father in heaven.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCHResponse

M: Lord, hear us.C: Father, hear our prayer.

Concluding prayer

M: Lord God, as your servant John the Baptist called your people to prepare a way for the Lord,

PRAYER OF THE CHURCHlet us always be prepared to receive the blessings that you freely give us through our Lord Jesus Christ, who

lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

PREFACEM: The Lord be with you.C: And also with you.M: Lift up your hearts.C: We lift them to the Lord.M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our

God.C: It is right to give our thanks and

praise.

PREFACEM: It is indeed right and good,

Lord God, holy Father, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACEYou fulfilled your promise to comfort your

people by sending Jesus the Redeemer, and to make all things new through him when he comes to judge the world and set it right.

And so, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we adore and praise your glorious name:

Holy, holy, holyC: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of

power and might;Heaven and earth are full of your

glory.

LORD’S PRAYERC: Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be your name,Your kingdom come,Your will be done, on earth as in

heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive

those who sin against us.

LORD’S PRAYERLead us not into temptation, but

deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the

glory are yours,Now and forever. Amen

95

WORDS OF INSTITUTIONM: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, and said: Take and eat; this is † my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

96

WORDS OF INSTITUTIONM: In the same way he took the cup, after the supper, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, Drink of it, all of you; this is † my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

COMMUNION INVITATION

M: Blessed are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

C: Thanks be to God.M: Come, everything is ready.

97

98

DISTRIBUTIONDuring the distribution the Minister or his assistant says:

Take and eat, this is the body of Christ, given for you.

Take and drink, this is the blood of Christ, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

99

DISMISSALM: The body and blood

of our Lord Jesus Christ make you strong in body and soul to life eternal.

Go in peace.†C: Amen.

100

POST-COMMUNION Prayer

M: Let us pray.C: Merciful God,

you sent your messengers to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.

101

POST-COMMUNION Prayer

May the body and blood of Christ, which we have received in this meal, give us strength to turn away from our sins, so that we may greet our coming redeemer, Jesus Christ, with joy.

• For he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CONCLUSIONBLESSING

M: Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shine on you and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory .

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favour,†

and give you peace. C: Amen.

102

103

DISMISSALM: Go in peace, joyfully preparing

the way for the Lord.C: In the name of Christ. Amen.

104

We Sing our Closing Hymn:

“O for a thousand tongues to sing” v.1,2,6-8

LHS 159 CAL 293Charles Wesley 1707-88, alt.

“O for a thousand tongues to sing”

1. O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of our God and King, the triumphs of his grace.


2. Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

that bids our sorrows cease; such music in the sinner's ears is life, and health, and peace.


6. He speaks, and listening to his voice new life the dead receive, the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.


7. Hear him, you deaf; his praise, you dumb,

your loosened tongues employ; you blind, behold your Saviour come; and leap, you lame, for joy!


8. My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honours of your name.

†

Morning tea

Please stay a while

and have a cuppa and chat with us.

Documents

Service with Communion Simplified Spoken Form