ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
MAYTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
THE REV. ROBERT M. LESCALLETTE, PASTOR
KEITH SMITH, ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER
JANIE MOHR, JR. CHOIRMASTER
JONAN SHIRK, PARISH SECRETARY
BECKY FLECKENSTEIN, PARISH SEXTON
SUSAN FRANK, YOUTH LEADER
ADVENT II DECEMBER 4, 2005
G. Blake
THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 626 “People Look East”
THE CONFESSION OF SINS pg. 10-11 (right column)
THE GREETING FOR ADVENT
PASTOR: May the one who was, and who is, and who is to come, be with you in grace and peace.
ALL: AND ALSO WITH YOU.
THE KYRIE pg. 28
First time through A = Pastor C = congregation
Second time through A = Choir C= Congregation
Third time through A = Men C = Women
(The Hymn of Praise is omitted in Advent.)
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY (see insert)
(All sit, following the prayer.)
THE FIRST READING – ISAIAH 40:1-11
After the reading concludes…
Lector: The word of the Lord!
People: THANKS BE TO GOD!
THE ADVENT HYMN - #630
“Light One Candle To Watch For the Messiah”
(Sing 2 verses only)
(As the carol is sung, the Acolyte gets fire from the right candle on the Altar, which is symbolic of God’s son, seated on the “right” hand of the Father, and lights the 2 candles in the window sills, representative of Mary and Joseph’s progress toward Christmas – and ours.)
THE PSALM #85:1-2, 8-13 (read responsively)
THE ANTHEM – “Hey, Hey Anybody Listening?”
THE SECOND READING – II PETER 3:8-15a
THE GOSPEL ACCLAMATION pg. 31 (General) (sung standing)
THE HOLY GOSPEL – MARK 1:1-8
THE HYMN OF THE DAY (see page 11)
THE SERMON
THE NICENE CREED pg. 32 (confessed standing)
THE PRAYERS
“…God of Faithfulness…”
R: “HEAR OUR PRAYER”
THE PEACE
J. S. Bach
THE OFFERING (Regular and World Hunger)
THE OFFERTORY FOR ADVENT (Sung standing)
“WHAT CAN I GIVE HIM,
POOR AS I AM?
IF I WERE A SHEPHERD,
I WOULD BRING A LAMB.
IF I WERE A WISE MAN,
I WOULD DO MY PART;
YET WHAT I CAN I GIVE HIM
GIVE HIM MY HEART.” - C. Rosetti
THE PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS pg. 36 (LEFT COLUMN)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
THE PREFACE pg. 36
THE SANCTUS pg. 36 “Holy, Holy, Holy”
THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
(Pastor uses a prayer not in your hymnals.)
THE LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional)
THE AGNUS DEI “Lamb Of God” pg. 39
THE DISTRIBUTION (continuous kneeling)
(The choir communes first. The congregation comes forward as directed by an usher. Those seated on the Luther Window side of the church comes forward via the side aisle, and returns via the center aisle; the Christ Window side of the church comes forward via the center aisle and return via the side aisle.) (All who are baptized and who believe that Christ is present in this communion offering the faithful the forgiveness of our sins and strength for living the Christian life are welcome to share in the supper. The un-baptized, very young children, and those who do not wish to commune may come forward for a blessing or stay seated. Indicate your desire by folding your hands atop the communion rail.)
THE HYMNS SUNG DURING COMMUNION:
“Jordan’s Banks, The Baptist’s Cry” (see page 12)
#649 “I Want To Walk As A Child”
#635 “Surely It Is God Who Saves Me” (tune: Beach spring)
#762 “O Day Of Peace” (Tune from: “Chariots of Fire”)
#699 “Blessed Assurance”
“Joy To The World” (see page 13)
THE BLESSING pg. 40 (all rise)
THE PRAYER pg. 40 (Thankful Heart”)
THE BLESSING
PASTOR: The holy and living God bless you in darkness and in light, in fasting and in feasting, in sadness and in joy.
PEOPLE: AMEN
THE DISMISSAL
THE RECESSIONAL HYMN - #744 “Soon And Very Soon ”
THE ORGAN POSTLUDE “Sing Unto The Lord” B. Price
PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S SERVICE
Morning Lector – Becky Thomas
Evening Lector – Glenn Bachert
Acolytes – Alex and Amber Smith
Crucifer – Ryan Nell
Head Usher –Charlie Johns
Altar Care – The Vogels
THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR …
…are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Alice’s 83rd birthday, which was on Friday the 2nd , with love, by Norm Leas.
THE BULLETINS…
…are given to the Glory of God and in honor of loved ones, by Norm and Alice Leas.
ATTENTION COUNCIL…
…a brief meeting following church today will be held under the balcony.
POINSETTIAS
Included in this bulletin is an order form for poinsettias to beautify our Christmas Altar. Please fill one out and help us out. Each plants costs $6.00 and we need about 50-60 for our display. So far, only 8 have been ordered.
THE C.I.A. CHILDREN’S YOUTH GROUP…
…will be having a cookie baking/Christmas craft making meeting on Friday, December 9th from 6:30pm until 9:30pm. The date was changed to Friday evening due to conflicting schedules with the play practice on the 10th. Younger siblings and parents of the C.I.A. members are welcome to join us.
On Saturday December 17th the C.I.A. youth group will be going to Christmas Candy Lane in Hershey. We currently are planning on leaving around 4:30 from the church. There will be more details in next weeks bulletin. This is a family event. We like to know how many “C.I.A.” members are going with us or with their family. You may call Vicki #426-2773 or Charlie (alias Cross Trainer) 426-3164.
ATTENTION ALL COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Your report for the Annual Bulletin of Reports is due on JoNan’s desk no later than December 11. If your group maintains a checking account or savings account, the activity also needs to be reported. Reports have not been received from:
WORSHIP AND MUSIC SYG
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EVANGELISM
SOCIAL MINISTRY FELLOWSHIP
WELCA CIA
“MESSIAH? ANYONE?
Franklin and Marshall College will present Handel’s Messiah at 3:00 pm today, at the Barjinger Center. Admission is free. Pastor is going. He will invite the ACFLB to go too. (which would mean eating near F&M at Doc Holliday? Lyndon Diner? Olive Garden? Macaroni Grill? Neptune Diner? Somewhere else?) If they don’t want to go, Paul will drive the van and Pastor will go by car. Speak up if you want to go along.
ERNEST HEADS FOR O.R.
Ernest Wallander will have a hip operation tomorrow at LGH. Our prayers attend him.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PLAY REHEARSAL
The Christmas play which will be presented by our Sunday School on December 18th will be rehearsed the next two Saturdays from 10 til noon. Church will provide pizza for lunch to all actors and actresses. Kids and parents – please take note. We need you there.
DECORATORS NEEDED!
Your help is needed in readying our church for Christmas. You can help in the following ways:
1. Help us set up the tree and cover it with white lights and Chrismens, starting at 10 am this coming Saturday, the 10th. (Parents who need to bring their kids to play practice can stay and help with the tree!) 6-10 people are needed for this job.
2. Donate money for one or more of the following:
4 small wreaths for the Queen Street doors
2 larger wreaths for the balcony
50 yards of pine roping for the rail etc.
3. Help decorate the church on Saturday, December 17th
so we can be ready for the Advent 4 service and Open House. At least 20 people are needed to decorate and clean-up. Please help! No experience necessary!
CATECHETICAL CLASS TAKES A BREAK
The second year confirmation class finished working on the Apostles’ Creed today. They will not meet again until Sunday, January 15th.
NEXT SUNDAY! GREAT STUFF!
On December 11th, we will enjoy 2 very special events in our parish:
First, at 10:30 am, we will have an All-Music Sunday. The choir will sing many anthems, there will be special instrumental and vocal music, and we will sing lots of Advent Hymns! No Sermon!
Next, at noon, we will gather in the Social Hall for our annual “Holiday covered-dish feast”, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and corn. Diners are asked to bring a salad, side-dish, or dessert to share. The meal is free but a basket will be available should you wish to help reimburse the committee for the food they bought. There’s a place at the table for all of so – so please come!
STEWARDS OF ST. JOHN’S!
Pastor asks that all member households who can afford to do so, come to the aid of our church Treasury. We are about $15,000 in the “red” as we enter December. You can help by giving your regular weekly offering to current and benevolence (not building fund) and by giving an extra $100 to current and $20 to Benevolence. We can catch up, if we all help. Last year, we gave $25,000 in December, which is $15,000 more than our usual monthly giving of $10,000. Thanks for caring about our church’s financial well being!
NOTE: Pastor has asked that, rather than giving a Christmas gift to him this year, you instead give it to our church. Maybe that can help.
LOOKING FURTHER “DOWN THE ROAD”
December 13 – MHS Christmas Party at Getz’s
December 17 – 10:00 Play rehearsal/church decorating
- 4:30 CIA Candy Lane trip
December 18 – 10:30 Sunday School Christmas Play
- 1:00 Church Open House
December 19 – 7:00 All church caroling party
December 24 – 6:30 pm Young Families’ Christmas Eve
- 10:30 pm Festival Christmas Eve Service
December 25 – 9:00 am Christmas Service (New time)
No Contemporary Service
December 28 – Social Ministry Christmas Party (at Brownstone)
January 1 – 10:30 am Traditional service
No Contemporary Service
January 3 – 6:30 Evangelism Christmas Party (at Roosevelt Tav.)
WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS!
We are so glad you chose to join us for worship this day. Make sure you sign our guest book and introduce yourself to your pew mates and Pastor. You are welcome to participate in all our parish happenings. Questions? Just ask.
MUSICIANS/SINGERS
Keith is still looking for volunteers of all ages to make music for church on Christmas Eve, at 6:30 pm.
Pastor is still looking for volunteers to perform at the open house on the 18th, in the 3:00 – 4:00 time slot.
Everyone in the congregation is invited to go caroling in Maytown’s streets on Monday, the 19th, at 7:00 pm. Bring a flashlight or a lantern, and your friends, and we’ll carol for an hour and then go back to church for hot chocolate and cookies. Let’s have 50 or more singers this year! INVITE YOUR NEIGHBORS
THANKS CHARLIE!
I would like to thank Charlie Johns again for coming to my aid on Tuesday. Thanks, Charlie – for jumping my battery and following me into the garage. What a guy! – Pastor
NEW ADDRESS
Glenn and Carol Bachert have moved to Maytown! Their new address is: 152 West High Street
Lillian Johnstin now lives at Hearthstone, in Mount Joy. Her new address is: 607 Hearthstone Lane
THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION…
…is extended to Rose Leas, whose sister, Wanda Scott, died in California.
…to the Heinaman/Harnish/Henny Family, at eh news of the death, in an accident, on Thursday, of Jason, the son of Chris Heinaman Williams and the grandson of Barb and Pork Heinaman. (Jason was baptized at our Font, as a 2 year old, in 1979.)
…and to Thelma Lehman, whose daughter, Nancy died this week in Elizabethtown.
May Easter’s light comfort all.
WON’T YOU PLEASE HELP NEEDY CHILDREN…
…in our own community this Christmas? St. Johners can help by giving gifts to the kids of the most needy families who depend on our local food bank. If you can help, please sign the sheet in the narthex today. You’ll receive information about the child you choose, gift ideas and a gift label to attach to your wrapped present. The last day for sign up is Sunday, December 11th. Wrapped presents with gift labels must be placed in the gift basket on the narthex windowsill by Sunday, December 18th. Thank you for making Christmas a little brighter for these youngsters. At press time 6 children were still awaiting donors.
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me – Matthew 25:40
THANKS…
…to all those who helped create, and hang, this year’s lovely Advent Wreath. Thanks to Keith and Charlie for acquiring the greens from Keith’s brother-in-law, Don; to Joyce, Jamie, Janelle, George, and Charlie, for helping to cut the greens and stuff them in the wire mesh; to Bob H. for hanging the wreath; and to Anne H. for helping to supervise the job!
SYG…
…will not meet tonight, we will meet on the 11th at 4:30 instead.
Don’t forget if anyone has anything for the spring rummage sale the youth are still collecting items. Just bring them to the youth room. Thanks.
THE FLOWER CHART FOR 2006…
…has been posted in the lower tower narthex. Please sign up for one or more of the available dates and beautify our Altar. The church routinely orders flowers from Janet’s Flowers in Columbia for $30.00. You are welcome to order them from any florist (provided that florist can deliver them and has a church key.) Tell Jo what you want in the bulletin the Sunday before. Thanks!
PARTICIPANTS IN 12/13/05 SERVICE.
Morning Lector – Jack Frank
Evening Lector – Joyce Boyer
Acolytes – Gabrielle Thomas
Crucifer – Ryan Boccagno
Head Usher –Charlie Johns
Altar Care – The Vogels
Altar Flowers – Betty Henny
Bulletins – Betty Henny
THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S:
Today Noon ACFLB
Possible Messiah concert
6:00 pm Contemporary Communion
with “Luther Rocks?” Praise Band
7:00 pm Food n’ Fellowship – host – JoNan
Monday Ernest’s hip surgery today
6:30 pm Praise Band Practice
7:00 pm Council
Wednesday 10:00 am Bible Study (Longwood)
6:45 pm Junior Choir Practice
7:30 pm Senior Choir Practice
Friday 6:30 pm CIA Christmas cookie baking/crafts
Saturday 10:00 am Sunday School Play Rehearsal
10:00 am Tree erection/decoration
Next Sunday No Catechetical class til January 15
9:00 am Sunday school
10:30 am Music Sunday
Noon Holiday Covered Dish Feast
4:30 pm SYG
6:00 pm Contemporary Communion
7:00 pm Food n’ Fellowship
hosts – Barb and Terry Stephens
Joy to the World
1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive its King;
let ev'ry heart prepare him room
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sin and sorrow grow
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748