1. family and parenting
2. children

Christmas Eve
December 24, 2014
4:00 & 5:30 p.m.
all
Moorhead, Minnesota
www.trinitymhd.org
218-236-1333
“Welcoming the community to worship and grow in serving God.”
Order of Service
The congregation is invited to participate at the places marked with bold type.
Prelude
“Silent Night”
Trombone, Nat Dickey
Call to Worship
(4:00) “Children, What Do You Hear” / “In A Little Stable”
(5:30) “Good Enough for Him”
Minims
Melissa Peterson
Confession & Forgiveness
Blessed be God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who forgives our sins, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Amidst the darkness of this world, let us confess our sin and welcome the light of God’s forgiveness.
Child of joy and peace born to ev’ry race by your star, the wise will know you,
East and West, their homage show you, look into your face, child of joy and peace.
Born among the poor on a stable floor, cold and raw, you know our hunger,
Weep our tears and cry our anger; yet you tell us more, born among the poor.
Ev’ry child needs bread till the world is fed; you give bread, your hands enable
All who gather round your table. Christmas must be shared, ev’ry child needs bread.
Son of poverty, shame us till we see self-concerned, how we deny you,
By our greed we crucify you on a Christmas tree, Son of poverty.
Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus.
Forgive our lack of faith and trust in your will.
Your son was born in the poverty of a stable.
Forgive our neglect of the poor.
The shepherds left their flocks and went to Bethlehem.
Forgive our selfishness and complacency.
The magi followed the star to find the Savior of the nations.
Forgive our reluctance to seek you with our whole heart.
The angel said you shall call his name Jesus for he will save people from their sins. With great joy, I announce to you the entire forgiveness of all your sin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
2
Please rise and turn to face the Christ Candle.
Proclamation
#257 vs. 6
O come, blest Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by your advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.
Those who have dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined.
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of all people.
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
We have beheld Christ’s glory, full of grace and truth.
Processional Carol
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the king of angels. O come, let us adore him… Christ the Lord!
The highest, most holy, light of light eternal,
Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him… Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God in the highest; O come, let us adore him… Christ the Lord!
#283 vs. 1-3
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray together,
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the one
true light. Grant that we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and on the last day may wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
3
Anthem
(4:00) “Lullaby, Holy One”
(5:30) “Ave Maria”
Celebration & Joyful Noise Singers
Violin, Karin Andreasen
Children’s Message
Lesson
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of
hosts will do this.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 98
Quartet sings refrain, Congregation sings refrain
Quartet sings verses, Congregation sings refrains
4
Verses:
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds.
His right hand has won vict’ry for him, his holy arm.
The Lord has made his salvation known, his justice revealed to the nations,
Remembering kindness and faithfulness t’ward Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing joyfully to the Lord all you lands, break into song, sing praise.
Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song,
With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully to our king.
Gospel
Luke 2:1-20
The holy gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went
from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do
not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God and saying, ”Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made
known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and
pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
5
Sermon
Carol
Pastor Matt Peterson
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
#289
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the new born King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
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 decended 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.
Exchange of Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
In this season of colds and flu, please feel free to share the peace, but not the germs by “rubbing elbows” instead of shaking hands.
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Offering Carols
“It Came upon the Midnight Clear”
#282 vs. 1
“Away in a Manger”
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;
Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave, Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heav’n’s all gracious king.”
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
#277 vs. 1 & 3
#279 vs. 1
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above they deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
#288 vs. 1 & 3
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Offertory
“What Child Is This”
#296 vs. 3
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!
Prayers of the Church
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
For the increase of peace among nations, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring peace on earth.
For the spread of the joyful news that the Savior has come, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring joy to the world.
For the renewal of the whole church in unity, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring renewal to your church.
For the poor and those who find no room, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring help to those in need.
For those without hope, for the sick and suffering, for those who grieve, and for those to whom death draws near, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring hope and healing.
For the light of Christmas to shine on us all, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring us the light of your truth.
Rejoicing in your birth O Lord, and trusting in your mercy, we commend all for whom we pray in and through your holy name.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
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.
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Candlelighting
Please tip your unlit candle to receive the flame.
“Still, Still, Still”
Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed, the world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. Oo-- Oo--
Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Savior’s birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes, let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep ‘tis the eve of our Savior’s birth. Oo-- Oo--
Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being
in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Carol
“Silent Night”
#281
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heav’n afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
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Benediction
Now may the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Amen.
Please carefully extinguish your candle and keep it upright to prevent wax from dripping.
Carol
“Joy to the World”
#267
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dismissal
Go in peace. Serve the incarnate Lord!
Thanks be to God!
Postlude
“Toccata on Joy to the World” -Phillips
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Organ
Worship Notes
Welcome to worship at Trinity Lutheran Church. We are delighted that you have
joined us this evening and invite you to fill out the pink slip on the front of this Order of
Service and take a moment to introduce yourself to us. Please place completed slips in
the offering baskets or hand them to an usher. Again, welcome to worship!
Electronic Devices: Please check to assure your electronic devices are turned off or set
to vibrate. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
Children of all ages are encouraged to attend worship. However, Noah’s Ark Nursery
is staffed and available for children 3 and under this evening. Ask an usher to direct you.
If you have a prayer request, contact the office or use the back side of the pink slip.The
request will appear in the bulletin and on the prayer chain unless otherwise requested.
We must have permission before printing names. Requests will be shared for three weeks
unless otherwise directed.
Hearing aids are available. Please ask an usher.
Prayer List: Selma Hermanson, Zachary White, Jack Evavold, Ruth Siegle, David Kennedy,
Jeffrey Gellner, Ethan Mjolsness, Ryan Hanson, Ben Stein, Darlene Hallstrom,
Robert Jacobson, Gordon Shafer, Vince Gregor, Krista Kern.
Pastors: Simon Fensom, Lew Clefisch, Matt Peterson, Kristina Waters
Organist: Andrew Steinberg
Minims Choir Director: Angie Schulz
Joyful Noise Choir Director: Sue Dale
Celebration Singers Director: Kathy Lindquist
Trombone: Nat Dickey
Violin: Karin Andreasen
Vocalists: Melissa Peterson, Gregory Fensom, Catherine Fensom
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Announcements
Christmas Day Service - Join us again
tomorrow for the Christmas Day Festival
Communion Worship at 10 a.m. in the
Sanctuary. The service will be broadcast
live over KVOX (740 AM) and streaming
live on the web. Visit www.trinitymhd.org
for more details.
Commitment Cards for 2015
A sincere thank you to the families who
have already responded with their financial commitment to our ministry in 2015.
If you have not yet responded, please give
it your consideration. It will take all our
families to meet the challenge before us.
Even if you contribute through direct deWorship with us this Sunday, Dec. 28 at
posit, please fill out the card - we need your
8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary and 10:30 a.m. in estimate to keep our information accurate.
the Christian Life Center.
Thank you! Extra cards are available in
the church office or on our website, www.
Farewell celebration for Pastor Lew Clefisch trinitymhd.org.
in honor of his retirement this Sunday,
Dec. 28 at 9:35 a.m. in the CLC.
Poinsettias - Trinity expresses appreciation to everyone who purchased poinsetThank you to all who have supported our tias in honor of loved ones. A list of donors
ministry this past year with your time,
will be included in the January Messenger.
talents and financial contributions. Your
support is vital to our mission.
Sunday school will resume on January 11.
Please note: if you are planning to make an Wednesday evening activities, choirs and
end of year gift to help us meet our finandinner will resume January 7. Check the
cial commitments and would like to have
calendar at www.trinitymhd.org for more
that gift included on your giving statedetails.
ment for 2014, please make sure it is at the
church office on or before December 31st.
Radio Broadcast - Trinity expresses apIf you are looking for a more convenient
preciation for the radio broadcast on
way to make regular offerings in 2015,
KVOX (740 AM). The broadcast is being
check out our e-giving option. Visit www. sponsored in memory of Cecil and Eleanor
trinitymhd.org or contact the church office Johnson and their wedding anniversary on for more information.
Christmas Eve morning by Kathy Benson.
Thank you!
The members of the Trinity staff
wish you a blessed Christmas.
Thank you for your partnership
in the Gospel throughout 2014.
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Christmas Eve
December 24, 2014
11:00 p.m.
all
Moorhead, Minnesota
www.trinitymhd.org
218-236-1333
“Welcoming the community to worship and grow in serving God.”
Order of Service
The congregation is invited to participate at the places marked with bold type.
Bell
Confession & Forgiveness
Blessed be God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who forgives our sins, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Amidst the darkness of this world, let us confess our sin and welcome the light of God’s forgiveness.
Child of joy and peace born to ev’ry race by your star, the wise will know you,
East and West, their homage show you, look into your face, child of joy and peace.
Born among the poor on a stable floor, cold and raw, you know our hunger,
Weep our tears and cry our anger; yet you tell us more, born among the poor.
Ev’ry child needs bread till the world is fed; you give bread, your hands enable
All who gather round your table. Christmas must be shared, ev’ry child needs bread.
Son of poverty, shame us till we see self-concerned, how we deny you,
By our greed we crucify you on a Christmas tree, Son of poverty.
Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus.
Forgive our lack of faith and trust in your will.
Your son was born in the poverty of a stable.
Forgive our neglect of the poor.
The shepherds left their flocks and went to Bethlehem.
Forgive our selfishness and complacency.
The magi followed the star to find the Savior of the nations.
Forgive our reluctance to seek you with our whole heart.
The angel said you shall call his name Jesus for he will save people from their sins. With great joy, I announce to you the entire forgiveness of all your sin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
2
Please rise and turn to face the Christ Candle.
Proclamation
#257 vs. 6
O come, blest Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by your advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.
Those who have dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined.
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of all people.
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
We have beheld Christ’s glory, full of grace and truth.
Processional Carol
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the king of angels. O come, let us adore him… Christ the Lord!
The highest, most holy, light of light eternal,
Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him… Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God in the highest; O come, let us adore him… Christ the Lord!
#283 vs. 1-3
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray together,
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the one
true light. Grant that we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and on the last day may wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
3
First Lesson
Jeremiah 31:7-14
7 For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” 8 See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the
blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. 9 With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is
my firstborn. 10 Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep
him as a shepherd a flock.” 11 For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed
him from hands too strong for him. 12 They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. 13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. 14 I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 98
Quartet sings refrain, Congregation sings refrain
Quartet sings verses, Congregation sings refrains
4
Verses:
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds.
His right hand has won vict’ry for him, his holy arm.
The Lord has made his salvation known, his justice revealed to the nations,
Remembering kindness and faithfulness t’ward Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing joyfully to the Lord all you lands, break into song, sing praise.
Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song,
With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully to our king.
Second Lesson
Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in
Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his
grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in
Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance,
having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had
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; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
“The First Noel”
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel.
5
#300 vs. 1
Gospel
Luke 2:1-20
The holy gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went
from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do
not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God and saying, ”Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made
known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and
pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
Carol
Pastor Matt Peterson
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
#289
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the new born King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
6
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 decended 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 the Church
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
For the increase of peace among nations, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring peace on earth.
For the spread of the joyful news that the Savior has come, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring joy to the world.
For the renewal of the whole church in unity, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring renewal to your church.
For the poor and those who find no room, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring help to those in need.
For those without hope, for the sick and suffering, for those who grieve, and for those to whom death draws near, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring hope and healing.
For the light of Christmas to shine on us all, let us pray;
Christ the Lord, bring us the light of your truth.
Rejoicing in your birth O Lord, and trusting in your mercy, we commend all for whom we pray in and through your holy name.
Amen.
Exchange of Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
In this season of colds and flu, please feel free to share the peace, but not the germs by “rubbing elbows” instead of shaking hands.
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Offering
“Good Enough for Him”
Offertory
Melissa Peterson
“What Child Is This”
#296 vs. 3
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!
Great Thanksgiving
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.
Song
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”
#270 vs. 3
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
Born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herals angels sing, “Glory to the new-born king!”
Words of Institution
On the night in which he was betrayed...
Lord’s Prayer
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.
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Communion Distribution
All are welcome at the table of the Lord. Those not communing may come forward for a blessing. If you prefer to receive communion at your seat, please inform an usher.
Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available.
Communion Music
“Away in a Manger”
“It Came upon the Midnight Clear”
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
#277
#282
#288
Blessing
Candlelighting
Please tip your unlit candle to receive the flame.
“Still, Still, Still”
Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed, the world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. Oo-- Oo--
Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Savior’s birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes, let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep ‘tis the eve of our Savior’s birth. Oo-- Oo--
Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being
in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
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Carol
“Silent Night”
#281
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heav’n afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Benediction
Now may the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Amen.
Carol
“Joy to the World”
#267
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dismissal
Go in Peace. Serve the incarnate Lord!
Thanks be to God!
Postlude
“Toccata on Joy to the World” -Phillips
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Organ
Worship Notes
Welcome to worship at Trinity Lutheran Church. We are delighted that you have
joined us this evening and invite you to fill out the pink slip on the front of this Order of
Service and take a moment to introduce yourself to us. Please place completed slips in
the offering baskets or hand them to an usher. Again, welcome to worship!
Electronic Devices: Please check to assure your electronic devices are turned off or set
to vibrate. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
If you have a prayer request, contact the office or use the back side of the pink slip.The
request will appear in the bulletin and on the prayer chain unless otherwise requested.
We must have permission before printing names. Requests will be shared for three weeks
unless otherwise directed.
Hearing aids are available. Please ask an usher.
Prayer List: Selma Hermanson, Zachary White, Jack Evavold, Ruth Siegle, David Kennedy,
Jeffrey Gellner, Ethan Mjolsness, Ryan Hanson, Ben Stein, Darlene Hallstrom,
Robert Jacobson, Gordon Shafer, Vince Gregor, Krista Kern.
Pastors: Simon Fensom, Matt Peterson
Organist: Andrew Steinberg
Vocalists: Melissa Peterson, Gregory Fensom, Catherine Fensom
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Announcements
Christmas Day Service - Join us again
tomorrow for the Christmas Day Festival
Communion Worship at 10 a.m. in the
Sanctuary. The service will be broadcast
live over KVOX (740 AM) and streaming
live on the web. Visit www.trinitymhd.org
for more details.
Commitment Cards for 2015
A sincere thank you to the families who
have already responded with their financial commitment to our ministry in 2015.
If you have not yet responded, please give
it your consideration. It will take all our
families to meet the challenge before us.
Even if you contribute through direct deWorship with us this Sunday, Dec. 28 at
posit, please fill out the card - we need your
8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary and 10:30 a.m. in estimate to keep our information accurate.
the Christian Life Center.
Thank you! Extra cards are available in
the church office or on our website, www.
Farewell celebration for Pastor Lew Clefisch trinitymhd.org.
in honor of his retirement this Sunday,
Dec. 28 at 9:35 a.m. in the CLC.
Poinsettias - Trinity expresses appreciation to everyone who purchased poinsetThank you to all who have supported our tias in honor of loved ones. A list of donors
ministry this past year with your time,
will be included in the January Messenger.
talents and financial contributions. Your
support is vital to our mission.
Sunday school will resume on January 11.
Please note: if you are planning to make an Wednesday evening activities, choirs and
end of year gift to help us meet our finandinner will resume January 7. Check the
cial commitments and would like to have
calendar at www.trinitymhd.org for more
that gift included on your giving statedetails.
ment for 2014, please make sure it is at the
church office on or before December 31st.
Radio Broadcast - Trinity expresses apIf you are looking for a more convenient
preciation for the radio broadcast on
way to make regular offerings in 2015,
KVOX (740 AM). The broadcast is being
check out our e-giving option. Visit www. sponsored in memory of Cecil and Eleanor
trinitymhd.org or contact the church office Johnson and their wedding anniversary on for more information.
Christmas Eve morning by Kathy Benson.
Thank you!
The members of the Trinity staff
wish you a blessed Christmas.
Thank you for your partnership
in the Gospel throughout 2014.
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