Maps and Transportation
Grace Lutheran Church is located at 2225 Washington Street, Lincoln, NE:
We provide transportation by bus to and from Sunday morning worship. To schedule a ride, call transportation coordinator Bob Anderson at (402) 432-3058 by 4:00 PM the Friday before. Cancelations can be made by leaving a message at the same number by 8:00 Sunday morning.
Second Floor
Main Floor, Upper Level
Main Floor, Lower Level
Basement
We have a fully accessible space with accommodations for those whose hearing is impaired and those who are partially sighted. If you need other accommodations, please call (402) 474-1505 in advance so that we can be ready.
Worship
Evening Worship takes place every Saturday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the chapel; Morning Worship is on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:15 AM in the nave.
Children are always welcome in worship. Activity bags, which tie into worship, are available in the narthex, and our nursery is also available. The ushers would be happy to show you the way to either.
The order of the worship for a particular day will be printed in a bulletin, which the ushers will give you as you enter. An example bulletin is shown below.
Generally, plain text denotes things that a worship leader will say, bold text denotes parts spoken by everyone, and italic text gives explanations or other instructions. A number preceded by a number sign indicates a song in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, a red book kept in the pews and chairs.
Communion is offered every week, and all are welcome to participate. Both grape juice and gluten-free wafers are available.
INTRODUCTION
"Rejoice always," begins the reading from First Thessalonians. Isaiah and the
psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of
joy. "All God's children got a robe," go the words of the spiritual. It is not
so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes,
clothes that make us feel happy just to put on. We receive that robe in
baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God's party.
Gathering
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
PRELUDE Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Childs)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who shapes the whole creation, who comes
with might and mercy, who fills the hungry with good things. Amen.
Let us approach the throne of grace with repentant hearts.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Faithful God, we confess that we have been unfaithful to you. Like dry leaves and withered grass, our lives are blown about by our sins and the powers of evil around us. Restore us, O God; let the light of your face shine on us, and we shall be saved. Amen.
God is patient, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. In the name of + Jesus Christ, I bring you this good news: You are free from all that imprisons you; your sins are forgiven; God heals your broken hearts. Live in peace and harmony as you wait for the day of God. Amen.
ENTRANCE HYMN #263, Savior of the Nations, Come
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the
Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
KYRIE
[music would appear here]
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the
words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your
light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sit
KIDS' TALK
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation
for Christ's advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our
hearts as we await the Lord's coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace,
that we may serve our neighbors in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord,
whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH SONG (sung once by choir, repeated by all)
Emmanuel comes! Our Savior is near! This candle now burns with a message so
clear; Emmanuel comes! Our Savior is near! God's Kingdom is coming, God's
Kingdom is here!
Word
God speaks to us in scripture, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they
continued to face hardship and oppression. In the language of the jubilee year
described in Leviticus 25, the prophet, moved by the spirit of the Lord,
announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who
mourn.
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion — to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. 4They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 8For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed. 10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM: Psalm 126
[music would appear here]
1When the LORD restored the for- | tunes of Zion,
then were we like | those who dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with | shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great | things for them."
3The LORD has done great | things for us,
and we are | glad indeed.
4Restore our for- | tunes, O LORD,
like the watercourses | of the Negeb. R
5Those who | sowed with tears
will reap with | songs of joy.
6Those who go out weeping, carry- | ing the seed,
will come again with joy, shoulder- | ing their sheaves. R
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them to live
lives of continual joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. The closing blessing is
grounded in the hope of Christ's coming.
16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil. 23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
[music would appear here]
Sung by the choir: I am sending my messen- | ger before you, who will prepare your | way before you.*
GOSPEL John 1:6–8, 19–28
John's gospel describes Jesus as the "light of the world." John the Baptist is
presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to
Christ, the true light.
The Gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord.
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. 19This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." 21And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' "as the prophet Isaiah said. 24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sit
SERMON
Stand
HYMN OF THE DAY #241, O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe
in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and
was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he
ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will
come to judge the living and the dead. 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.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
With longing and hopeful expectation, let us pray for the church, the world, and
all those in need.
A brief silence.
That the people of God prepare the way of the Lord by bearing witness to the light and giving thanks in all circumstances. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
That governments, political leaders, and social service agencies will work together to free all those held captive by poverty, oppression, and disease. That places where corruption, fanaticism, and terrible violence exist will be healed. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
That from the garden of this earth praise and righteousness will spring forth, and fruitful harvests will provide bread to feed all who are hungry. That our preparations for Christmas time reflect our values of justice and care for others all over the world. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
That you teach us to pray without ceasing as we commend into your care all who are brokenhearted, lonely, grieving, or ill especially [names would appear here] and others we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts…. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
That you strengthen the hands of all who serve in this congregation, especially our Church Council for 2015. Support them in being forthright, diligent, and examples of Christian behavior to maintain the mission and ministry of our church. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
That you clothe us with the garments of salvation, until with all your saints we behold the fullness of your glory. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
Receive our prayers, faithful God, as we watch and wait for your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Sit
OFFERING Carol for Advent (Gilbert Martin)
[lyrics would appear here]
OFFERTORY (Repeated)
[music would appear here]
Stand
OFFERING PRAYER
God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation,
and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all
those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
[music would appear here]
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. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:
[music would appear here]
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary's openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming. Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth. Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER
[music would appear here]
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to Christ, who comes to us in this holy supper. All are welcome at
Christ's table!
Sit
COMMUNION
Directions for Communion Distribution: We receive Holy Communion kneeling at the communion rails. If you wish to receive wine in an individual glass, please take one from the stacked trays. If you wish to receive the wine by common cup, help guide the chalice to your lips. To receive communion without coming forward, please notify an usher and be seated near an aisle. Grape juice is provided in the center circle of each communion tray of glasses. Gluten-free wafers are available from the bread distributor.
COMMUNION HYMNS
[music would appear here]
#261, As The Dark Awaits The Dawn
#247, Come Now, O Prince Of Peace
Stand
POST COMMUNION BLESSING
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord God, we give you thanks that you have fed us even now with the banquet that
is yet to come. Keep us alert for signs of your presence in the world around
us. Send us as healing oil and sheltering comfort to those in need, and make us
bold in testifying to the light of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Sending
God sends us in mission to the world.
SENDING OF COMMUNION
Gracious God, whose mercy endures from generation to generation: As Mary set out
to visit Elizabeth before she gave birth to her son, bless those who go forth to
share your word and sacrament with our sisters and brothers who are homebound.
In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those to whom we bring this
communion, that through the body and blood of your Son we may all know the hope
of your promised coming in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
God most high, God with us, God poured out on us, Father, + Son, and Holy
Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.
SENDING HYMN #254, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. We look for Christ both now and not yet. Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Siefert)
Fellowship Hour
When worship concludes, we would be delighted if you would stay to chat for a bit. If you are attending a Sunday service, you can follow the crowd to our fellowship hour where we provide coffee, tea, cocoa, and often snacks. Sunday School, Youth Forum, and Adult Study Forum are also offered most Sundays from 10:30 to 11:30 AM.