Holy Communion Worship
Sunday of the Fulfillment
Last Sunday in the Church Year
November 26, 2006
As We Gather
Christians live between two worlds, the world of "now" and the world of "not yet." In the world of " now," even though we have been redeemed by Christ the crucified, our bodies are weakened by the consequences of sin, and our lives are constantly tested and challenged by Satan and the sinful world around us. We long for the day when God will reveal the fullness of His glory, when Christ will return with power to judge the living and the dead. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting that is promised to all the children of God. On this day, our thoughts look forward to the fulfillment of all God's promises to us, sealed in the blood of Jesus Christ. This is indeed the day the Lord has made. We are glad you are here to rejoice with us. Having seen the end, please join us again next week as we relive the beginning that we call "Advent."
Music Prelude
Lighting of the Candles
Welcome and Introduction
Opening Hymn: LW 451
Invocation:
P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11
C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:20
P: " You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." Luke 12:40
C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:20
P: May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 5:23
C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20
P: Let us confess to God our merciful Father, and before our brothers and sisters, that we have not been blameless in our thoughts, words, and actions.
( Silence for personal self-examination and confession. All may kneel)
P: Most merciful God,
C: We confess that we have sinned against You in our thinking, speaking, and doing. We have not loved You with our whole heart, and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have passed by opportunities to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are living in sin, and we have neglected opportunities to show hour love in our actions to those in need. For these sins, and for those of which we are unaware, we beg for Your forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Absolution: C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:20
Hymn of Praise: LW 204
The Collect of the Day: C: Amen.
WORD
Old Testament: Isaiah 51:4-6
Epistle: Jude 20-25
Response: Alleluia, Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia, alleluia. (pp: 164-165)
Gospel: Mark 13: 32-37
Responses: " Glory to You, O Lord/ Praise to You, O Christ. "
Sermon Hymn: LW 302
Sermon: " Watch- Keep Watching"
Creed of Faith: Nicene Creed (p: 166)
Prayer of the Church
Offering: ( As the Offering is being brought forward, all rise and sing " Let the vineyards... [p:168])
(The celebration of Communion at Faith Lutheran: The Sacrament of the Alter is a means of grace through which the Real Presence of Christ comes to us in, with, and under the Bread and Wine. Reassurance of God's forgiveness is given to all who believe. Attendance at the Supper implies agreement on all the biblical teachings of the Church. If you are new to the church and not yet publicly confirmed in this doctrinal faith, please speak with Pastor first and give yourself time to learn what is confessed and taught at this Altar. (All may come forward to the Chancel for a blessing.)
The Preface to Holy Communion (p: 170f)
The Eucharistic Prayer/The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei (p:172) / The Distribution
The Thanksgiving / Benediction: C: Amen
Closing Hymn: LW 278 (st: 1, 4-5)
Postlude
Soli Deo Gloria
