The Resurrection of Our Lord

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Established 1874

Rev. Kerry B. Eversole, Pastor

Deacon Cindy Cordes-Eversole, Associate in Ministry

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 314, Lanesboro, MN 55949-0314

Physical Address: 200 Kenilworth Ave S, Lanesboro, Minn.

Telephone: 507.467.3344

E-mail Address: bethlehem@acegroup.cc

Web Page: www.staronthehill.com

On Facebook at: Bethlehem Lutheran Church Lanesboro

Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parsonage Phone: 507.467.3017

Pastor Kerry’s Cell Phone: 507.951.3954

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Lanesboro, Minnesota

Second Sunday of Advent

December 6, 2020

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:4, 7-8

Welcome to worship this morning

at Bethlehem Lutheran!

“The star on the hill.”

Being Together in Church in the Time of COVID-19. Church members and visitors are required to wear a face covering or mask when in the building and during the service when they are able. They must sanitize their hands upon entering the church and frequently while in the building and wash their hands after using the lavatories. They must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people not in the same household. Please follow ushers’ directions when entering and exiting the sanctuary to maintain proper physical distancing including which pew you may sit in, where in the pew, and how many people can be in the pew.

Worship Practices and Restrictions. Hymnals will not be available in the pews. A full-service bulletin is placed on the pew where an individual worshipper may sit but it should not be shared. The order of worship, prayers, liturgy, readings, and hymn/song lyrics will be projected on a screen. No shaking of hands, hugging, fist-bumping, high-fiving, etc., to greet one another before, during, or after worship. Instead, say “Good morning!” or “Glad you are here!” or “Hello!” … with eye contact! No standing together in groups before or after worship. Speaking and singing will be permitted but only while wearing a face covering or mask. There will be no passing of offering plates. Plates are located at the entrances/exits where you can simply drop your offering into the plate. Sorry, no coffee or fellowship after worship.

Abbreviations. Throughout this worship folder P: refers to the presiding minister or preacher, A: denotes an assisting minister, and C: and/or bold text indicates the congregation.

An means that you may stand, as you are comfortably able.

Gathering

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

Introduction to the Season. Once again, we have begun our journey around the great circle of the Christian calendar. The new church year begins with Advent, which means coming. God’s people have always lived in great expectation of the second coming of God’s Christ, the so-called end times, the end of the world, That expectation finds specific and repeated pronouncement in the readings for the four weeks of Advent.

Introduction to the Day. In today’s gospel, John calls people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing gets in the way of the Lord’s coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, “See, your God is coming!” We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace.

PRELUDE by Sue Holst

WELCOME

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH Hope for Those Who Are Weary

Responsive Litany

The Light shines in the darkness.

But the darkness has not overcome it.

During Advent our weary souls seek God’s daily strength.

The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

We grow weary when fear overshadows faith.

The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

We grow weary when destructive actions erupt in the world around us.

The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

For all of us feeling weary this Advent season:

Grant that we might have the peace of Christ as we wait, the love of Christ as we act, and the grace of Christ as we speak.

Candle Lighting

This morning we light two candles. The first candle enlightens the need for patience in those areas of our lives where God has called us to wait. The second candle sheds light on the promise of strength to all who feel weary and weak in the shadows of this world. As we continue our advent journey, may our hope be kindled as the light grows brighter.

OPENING HYMN Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Hymn text is printed at the back of the bulletin

Sung to Praise the Lord! O Heavens ELW # 823

GREETING

P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Let us pray together.

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.

All: By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

God’s Word About Christ’s Coming

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song

FIRST READING Isaiah 40:1-11

In grand, flowing, poetic lines, the prophet announces that the exile of God’s people in Babylon is over. God will deliver Israel and will care for her as a shepherd cares for the sheep. This word can be trusted, because the only enduring reality in life is the word of God.

1Comfort, O comfort my people,

says your God.

2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her

that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the Lord’s hand

double for all her sins.

3A voice cries out:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Continued on the next page.

4Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

5Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

6A voice says, “Cry out!”

And I said, “What shall I cry?”

All people are grass,

their constancy is like the flower of the field.

7The grass withers, the flower fades,

when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;

surely the people are grass.

8The grass withers, the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand forever.

9Get you up to a high mountain,

O Zion, herald of good tidings;

lift up your voice with strength,

O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,

lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,

“Here is your God!”

10See, the Lord God comes with might,

and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,

and his recompense before him.

11He will feed his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead the mother sheep.

A: The word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 85:1-2, 8-13

1You have been gracious to your land, O Lord; you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.

2You have forgiven the iniquity of your people and blotted out all their sins.

8I will listen to what the Lord God is saying; for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you.

9Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you, that your glory may dwell in our land.

10Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase.

13Righteousness shall go before the Lord and shall prepare for God a pathway.

SECOND READING 2 Peter 3:8-15a

This short letter deals with pressing concerns regarding the final advent of Jesus, especially concerns that could arise over its apparent delay. The author of the letter calls on Christians to anticipate the promised coming of the Lord through conduct dedicated to God.

8Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

11Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Continued on the next page.

14Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15aand regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

A: The word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Mark 1:1-8

P: The holy gospel according to Mark.

C: Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel of Mark does not begin with a story of Jesus’ birth but with the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.

1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way;

3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight,’ ”

4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

P: The gospel of our Lord.

C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON by Pastor Kerry

HYMN OF THE DAY Comfort, Comfort Now My People

Hymn text and music are printed at the back of the bulletin

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each prayer ends with these words and response:

A: Hear us, O God.

C: In your mercy, restore us.

Concluding prayer and response:

A: Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

God’s Word in the Sacrament of Holy Communion

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

OFFERING

OFFERING SONG Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You

Hymn text is printed at the back of the bulletin

Sung to Rejoice, Rejoice Believers ELW # 244

OFFERING PRAYER

A: Generous God, you have created all that is, and you provide for us in every season. Bless all that we offer, that through these gifts the world will receive your blessing. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, we pray.

C: Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

Dialogue

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Preface

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. 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:

Holy, Holy, Holy (the angels’ song)

All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Thanksgiving at the Table

P: 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:

C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

P: 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.

C: Come, Lord Jesus.

Continued on the next page.

P: 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.

C: Come, Holy Spirit.

P: All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Lord’s Prayer Traditional Wording

P: Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

All: 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; 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: Even as we watch and wait, Christ is here. Come, eat, and drink.

COMMUNION

What We Believe

Who May Receive. We welcome all baptized Christians to the Lord's Table. In our church baptized children who have entered the 5th grade are instructed in this sacrament and receive their First Communion; younger children come to the altar and receive a blessing. If your baptized child has received such instruction, or if you want your baptized child to receive Communion, then he or she is welcome to partake.

Proper Preparation. In his Small Catechism, Martin Luther asks, “When is a person rightly prepared to receive this sacrament?” He answers, “Fasting and other outward preparations serve a good purpose. However, that person is well prepared and worthy who believes these words, given and shed for you for the remission of sins. But anyone who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is neither prepared nor worthy, for the words for you require simply a believing heart.”

Real Presence. We believe that the bread and wine truly are the body and blood of Christ given and shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Distribution

You should have picked up a pre-filled Communion cup and wafer pack on your way in. If you did not, signal an usher and they will bring you one. The congregation will receive Communion in the pews. First communicants will be served at the altar rail.

P: The holy and precious body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ given and shed for you.

Music During Distribution by Sue Holst

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

A: Gracious and abundant God, you have done great things for us, and we rejoice. In this bread and cup you give us life forever. In your boundless mercy, strengthen us and open our hearts to the world’s needs, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C: Amen.

Sending

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLESSING

P: The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting,

the long-expected Savior fill you with love,

the unexpected Spirit guide your journey,

☩ now and forever.

C: Amen.

DEPARTING HYMN He Came Down ELW # 253

Hymn text and music are printed at the back of the bulletin

DISMISSAL

A: Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE by Sue Holst

Receiving their first Holy Communion today are 5th graders

Preston Clarke, Trinity Hareldson, Isabelle Peterson,

Henry Semmen, and Prailey Willford.

Commemoration

Sunday, December 6

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342

Though Nicholas is one of the church's most beloved saints, little is known about his life. In the fourth century he was a bishop in what is now Turkey. Legends that surround Nicholas tell of his love for God and neighbor, especially the poor. One famous story tells of Nicholas secretly giving bags of gold to the three daughters of a father who was going to sell them into prostitution because he could not provide dowries for them. Nicholas has become a symbol of anonymous gift giving and is associated with Santa Claus in American culture and Father Christmas in English folklore.

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Come, thou long expected Jesus,

born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us;

let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,

hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of ev’ry nation,

joy of ev’ry longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,

born a child and yet a King,

born to reign in us forever,

now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all sufficient merit,

raise us to thy glorious throne.

Comfort, Comfort Now My People

Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You

O Lord, how shall I meet you,

how welcome you aright?

Your people long to greet you,

my hope, my heart's delight!

Oh, kindle, Lord most holy,

your lamp within my breast

to do in spirit lowly

all that may please you best.

Love caused your incarnation;

love brought you down to me.

Your thirst for my salvation

procured my liberty.

Oh, love beyond all telling,

that led you to embrace

in love, all love excelling,

our lost and fallen race!

He Came Down

*Stanza 2 substitute light

*Stanza 3 substitute peace

*Stanza 4 substitute joy

Acknowledgements

Permission to Podcast / Stream provided by Christian Copyright Licensing International, Inc., under License #11459672. Additional fee paid. www.ccli.com.

Permission to Podcast / Stream provided by One License, LLC under License # A-735588. Additional fee paid. www.onelicense.net.

Permission to livestream or podcast liturgy and music content under copyright to or administered by Augsburg Fortress provided under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS103296.

PowerPoint® Slides, Worship Texts, and Graphics are from sundaysandseasons.com © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS103296.

Lighting the Advent Wreath written by Rev. Rich Davis, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, River Forest, IL. Date not known.

Some Worship Texts are from Worship in the Home for Sunday, December 6, 2020, prepared by the ELCA Worship Office for use during this time of world-wide crisis because congregations of this church are not able to gather for worship as the body of Christ. Published on the ELCA website, https://blogs.elca.org/worship/3106/.

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788; Public Domain. Music: Franz Joseph Haydn, 1732-1809. Tune: AUSTRIA; Public Domain.

Comfort, Comfort Now My People Text: Johann G. Olearius, 1635-1711; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.; Public Domain. Music: Trente quatre pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551. Tune: FREU DICH SEHR; Public Domain. Used by permission of One License, LLC, Song # 92142. License # A-735588. www.onelicense.net.

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676; tr. composite, incl. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878; Public Domain. Music: Swedish folk melody. Tune: HAF TRONES LAMPA FÄRDIG; Public Domain.

He Came Down Text: Cameroon traditional. Music: Cameroon traditional; arr. John L. Bell, b. 1949; © 1986 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Tune: HE CAME DOWN. Used by permission of One License, LLC, Song # 00114, License # A-735588. www.onelicense.net.