2nd Sunday of Advent “The Hanging of the Greens”

First English Lutheran Church 17 W. 13th Street

Tyrone, PA 16686 814-684-1430

Pastor Sharon Erb, Minister Darlene Datres, Minister of Music

December 5, 2020 -- 5:00 p.m. December 6, 2020 – 10:15 a.m.

Welcome and Announcements:

Prelude: “Prepare the Royal Highway”

Reader: Preparing Ourselves, His Church

There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,

a call from the ways untrod: Prepare in the desert a highway,

A highway for our God! The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low;

make straight all the crooked places where God, our God, may go!

Let us prepare for the advent, the coming of the Christ Child. On this Sunday, let us prepare with repentance. Let us prepare with hope. Let us prepare with faith. For the light will come into this world, God has promised this. The Christ Child will come into the Bethlehem stable. The Christ Child will come into the world, into every life that waits, and into every hopeful heart. The Messiah comes to bring this Christmas to every waiting believer. Let us now prepare to receive Him.

- Written by Rev Denzel Nonhof

* Gathering Spoken Hymn ELW # 254 “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

1 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.

2 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.

GREETING

P. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the refining fire of the

Holy Spirit, and the peace of God, which surpass understanding, be with you all. C: And also with you.

Prayer of the Day P. Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. 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. Reader: The Paraments Scripture Reading John 1:1-2, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.

As Christians began to share their celebration of Christmas with their non-Christian neighbors they began to focus on the joy of the Christmas event. As the emphasis of Christmas began to change to one of joyful celebration the color used also changed to express Christ the King in that more happy way. While purple is still used in some churches and at certain times, many Christian churches now use blue to speak of the Kingship of Christ when the occasion is joyful. At Advent we wait with anticipation and celebration for our coming Christ… so our hearts sing out, "O Come Emmanuel!"

Advent Hymn Recording “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” vs. 1

Reader: Advent Wreath Scripture Reading Matthew 4:12-17 Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up. From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The candles are arranged in a circle to remind us of the continuous power of God, which knows neither beginning nor ending. There is also symbolism in the colors of the candles. The three blue candles symbolize the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. He is coming as the King of Kings as well as the Prince of Peace. The pink candle is to be lighted on the third Sunday of the Advent season and represents joy. The large white candle in the center is known as the Christ candle, and points to Jesus as the Christ, the Light of the world. The progressively growing candlelight symbolizes the light of Christ. It also reminds us of our need to prepare for Jesus’ coming in the present

and the future. The Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Advent Spoken Hymn: “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (vs.1-2) *Spoken as Pastor lights the corresponding candle

Light one candle to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel, God fulfills the promise.

Light two candles to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.

He shall feed the flock like a shepherd, gently lead them homeward.

The Prayer of Blessing P: We praise you, O God, for this circle of light that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, kindle within us the fire of your Spirit, that we may light be shining in the darkness. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may welcome others as you have welcomed us. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen. Reader: Poinsettias Most Christmas greenery reflects European traditions. But one colorful plant, which looks like a flaming star, the poinsettia, is a native to the American continent. It was named after Dr. Joel Robert Poinset, an ambassador to Mexico who first introduced it to the United States in 1828. The people of Mexico and Central America call the brilliant tropical plant the "Flower of the Holy Night." The Poinsettia is a many-pointed star that has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.

Reader: The Rose

Scripture Reading Isaiah 35: 1-2 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the Excellency of Camel and Sharon: they shall see the glory of Jehovah, the Excellency of our God.

The rose is one of the most exquisite of flowers. Though it can be cultivated close to perfection by many, only God can create that which is perfect. It was Clement of Alexander, living around 200 A.D., who wrote, “If I give you a rose, you will not doubt of God!” We do not doubt of God because we have seen Him in the perfection of Jesus Christ. Because of His perfection, the prophets made references to the rose when speaking of the Messiah. Isaiah tells us that when the Kingdom comes, ‘the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.”

Advent Hymn Recording “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (v.1)

Reader: Angels Let us listen to the lessons of the years and centuries. Through the great traditions of our Faith, join with the shepherds of Bethlehem, the wise men from the East and the seekers throughout the ages, to welcome the One who came at Christmas. Let us at Christmastide announce our gifts to Him, just as the angels announced his coming to the shepherds, and may they proclaim the birth is near.

Advent Hymn Spoken Hymn “Angels from the Realms of Glory” (v. 1)

Angels from the realms of glory Wing your flight through all the earth

Ye who sang creation's story Now proclaim Messiah's birth

Gloria In excelsis deo

Gloria In excelsis deo

Reader: The Gifts The Wise Men gave out of their treasures, and the Shepherds gave of themselves. Many of us seek to find the perfect gift, but God has given the world that. The greatest Gift of Christmas is the Gift of God in Christ Jesus.

All that we do at this Holy Season points to that expression of Holy Love. Christ came as a babe in Bethlehem, God's gift at Christmas. As Christians we seek to pass on our heritage to our children and to those who, by faith in Christ, become part of the Family of God. The spirit of true giving should characterize the Nativity by giving to shut-ins, patients of hospitals, the needy, and those who are dear to us. While we may exchange gifts to demonstrate the symbol of the Wisemen’s gifts, may we remember what we may give to God.

Advent Spoken Hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” (v. 3)

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 my heart.

Reader: The Greens Scripture Reading Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

For the ancients, the carrying of the greens into the home had sacramental significance, as if the greens themselves carried with them blessings into the home. One night, while walking home, Martin Luther felt a strong tie between the forest he was in and the starry heavens above. At home, he placed candles on a little evergreen tree to recapture the scene for his children. Our forefathers spoke of fetching the harrowed sprigs from the woods a “bringing home Christmas.” The wreath, a circle of evergreen branches, has long been a symbol of eternal life. The prickly leaves and red berries of holly remind us of the Crown of Thorns and the sacrifice on Calvary. The Laurel and bay leaves symbolize victory and triumph. Mistletoe symbolizes peace. For many years during the Christmas celebration, evergreens have been used to remind us that Christ, born in Bethlehem, would spring up like a tender plant and live forever.

Advent Spoken Hymn “Go, Tell It On The Mountain”

Go tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere

Go tell it on the mountain Our Jesus Christ is born

When I was a seeker I sought both night and day I asked the Lord to help me And he showed me the way Go tell it on the mountain

Over the hills and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain Our Jesus Christ is born.

Reader: Candles In Our Windows

Light is a Christian Symbol so old that it has the support of Jesus himself, who told his disciples not just once, but many times, “you are the light of the world”. Thus every time A Christian lights a candle, they are, in effect, declaring their faith and belief. At Christmas, the use of candles reflects our mood of quiet tenderness and flaming joy. The church services are frequently held in candlelight where the mystery of the softly gleaming light reminds the worshipper of that strangely illuminated sky with its great star that guided the wise men that first

Christmas.

We light our candles in the windows as symbol of Christian faith and joy. May it be a sign that our Christmas will be a happy and blessed one in heart and home, church and community.

Reader: The Nativity One of the most heart-warming expressions of Christmas is the Nativity. The Nativity speaks of the mystery of God's wisdom. Why God chose to send his son into our world as a baby of humble birth, born in common surroundings, we do not know.

What we do know is that God reached out to all people including the poor and wealthy, the simple and the wise, the powerless and the powerful. All who found him knelt in humility before him. Knowing God is possible because he came to us, at our level. Whenever we see a Nativity we find ourselves with Mary and Joseph; with the Shepherds, and with the Wise Men; bowing before the manger, overwhelmed by God's expression of love in coming to us.

Advent Recording Hymn “What Child is This?”

Reader: The Cross The central symbol of the Christian faith is the cross. It may seem odd or out of place to some to mention the symbol of Christ’s death at the time of His birth, but in reality, it is impossible to separate the two. God’s gift of His Son to the world as a babe in the manger cannot be fully understood apart from the gift of His life on Calvary’s cross. Isaiah 53 prophesied the cross of Christ in his description of the “Suffering Servant”. But the cross was not the end – death was overcome with resurrection power and held no ultimate victory over the Son of Man or over those whose faith rests in Him. Prepare the Way of the Lord.

Advent Recording Hymn “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (v. 1 & 2)

See, I am coming soon ... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. — Revelation 22:12-14, 17

Special Music “Come, All Ye Shepherds”

The Lesson Isaiah 40:1-11 P. 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. 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.

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. *The Gospel Acclamation

* The Holy Gospel Mark 1: 1-8 P: The Holy Gospel according to St Mark, the 1st chapter. C: Glory to you, O 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!

* Affirmation of Faith (In unison) The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

* Prayers of Intercession A. God of power and might, comfort your people and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need. A. Faithful God, you teach us to wait for you with faithfulness and patience. Sustain and support us in our doubts and questions. Nurture our faith as we discern and enact your mission. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great.

A. Loving God, you set the stars in the sky and breathe life into the earth. Renew the face of creation where it is in need of your healing touch. Mend the wounds of environmental damage and restore balance to ecosystems so that all creation can declare your praise. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great.

A. Steadfast God, you never tire of seeking justice. Where people suffer from discrimination, judgment, and injustice, speak words of truth and comfort. Lead us toward a world where faithfulness will sprout underfoot and righteousness rain down from above. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great.

A. Leading God, you ask us to make uneven ground smooth. Make even the disparities between your people. Sustain and support people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Accompany disability advocates who work for a world accessible to all. Teach us to celebrate the great diversity in our midst. (especially) Jackson Burns, Joan Woodring, Richard Stoudt, Terry Coltabaugh, Pat Gardner, Mary Jo Ivory, Fred Fink, Mason Elder, Mike Schulte, Kristen Thomas, Linda Zimmerman, Lisa

Steel, Diane Brinkman, Verna Harpster, Liam Hines, Eric White, Addison

Zearfaus, Quinley Mae McKeehen, Margaret McMinn, Wanda Gummo,

Nicole Shaw, Thelma Davis, Kelsey Mooseker, Ed Hill, Gail Brinkman, Shirley Fink. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great.

We continue to pray for Betsy Waddell, Sherri Gordon, Addie Miles, Mike Albright, Joyce Kobuck, Lauren Donley, Bob Albright, Lettie Allen, Bonnie Neil, Liam Wirtner, Sarah Reese Dean, Nicole Ellenberger Bagley, Steve Beckwith, Dakota Miller, Sarah Isenberg, Nathan Kost, George Lake, Sue Blaska, Jessica Woomer Bressler, Darlene Datres, Quinn Markle, Gwen Singler, Eddie Coltabaugh, Marabeth Stiffler, Ali McGovern, Amy Rizzo, Logan Miller, Jonathan Sweeney, and all of our homebound brothers and sisters.and all of our homebound brothers and sisters. Hear us, O God.

C. Your mercy is great.

We pray for all who serve in the military (especially) Carter Maceno, Noah Irvin, Josh & Trenton Gonder, Russell “Free” Brown, Brian DelGrosso, Richard Emerson Goodman II, and James Wilson. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great. We pray for the family and friends of Lucille Houck, Debbie Scull, Alice Hubert, Ann Smith, and Paul Shaw, surround them with strength and

love. Hear us, O God.

C. Your mercy is great.

A. Tender God, you know sorrow and joy alike. We pray for those in our families and congregation who are not joyful in this holiday season. Comfort those who grieve, be a companion to all who are lonely, tend those who are sick or struggling with depression, and gather all people in your healing embrace. Hear us, O God.

C. Your mercy is great. A. Eternal God, we give thanks for the saints who have prepared your way in the wilderness and taught us to continue their faithful work (especially Nicholas of Myra). Make their generous lives an example for all. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great. P. Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C. Amen.

* PEACE P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you. MEAL THE OFFERING & OFFERTORY

“Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” * The Offertory Hymn

* Offering Prayer P. 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

*HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER * The Lord’s Prayer * Invitation to Communion

P. Even as we watch and wait, Christ is here. Come, eat and drink.

Communion will be served at the Altar

(After receiving the wafer, dip it into the wine in the chalice.)

Communion Blessing

Scripture Reading Luke 1:68-75 Blessed [be] the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

The oath which he spoke unto Abraham our father, To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

The Bells Announce His Royalty

Post Communion Hymn with Chimes “The First Noel” (Organ Only)

Closing Prayer: P: 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.

*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.

Sending Spoken Hymn ELW #259 “Fling Wide the Door”

1 Fling wide the door, unbar the gate;

the King of glory comes in state;

the Lord of lords and King of kings,

the Savior of the world who brings

his great salvation to the earth.

So raise a shout of holy mirth

and praise our God and Lord,

Creator, Spirit, Word.

2 He is the rock of our belief,

the heart of mercy's gentle self.

His kingly crown is holiness;

his scepter is his loveliness;

he brings our sorrows to an end.

Now gladly praise our king and friend,

and worship him with song

for saving us from wrong.

3 Oh, happy towns and blessed lands

that live by their true king's commands.

And blessed be the hearts he rules,

the humble places where he dwells.

He is the rightful Son of bliss

who fills our lives and makes us his,

creator of the world,

our only strength for good.

4 Come, Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ;

our hearts are open wide in trust.

Oh, show us now your lovely grace,

upon our sorrows shine your face,

and let your Holy Spirit guide

our journey in your grace so wide.

We praise your holy name,

from age to age the same!

A: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. C: Let every heart prepare a throne and every voice a song.

Postlude “Preparations for the King”

* The flowers are presented to the glory of God and

in memory of Richard S. Burley, by his family.

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Offering Envelopes” & “Flower Chart”:

Beginning the weekend of 12/5 & 12/6, please be sure

to pick up your “box of offering envelopes” and write

your name on the “flower chart” if you would like to

sign up for our weekly altar flowers for 2021!!

Lector…………………………………………….…………..……Janice Geist (Next Week: Isaac Parks) Assisting Minister………………………………………………Joe Zang (Next Week: Isaac Parks) Nursery………………………………………………………...………Paul Erb (Next Week: Janice Geist)

Weekly Budget Amount Needed………..…..$ 3,307.00 Income – Previous Week………………………….$ 1045.00 Benevolence Income – Previous Week …..$ 105.00

Attendance….Sat.…0 Sunday…..28 TOTAL…..…28

Loose Change Offering in December: Angel Tree Food Bank for December: Applesauce

TODAY………………………….………………2nd Sunday of Advent “Hanging of the Greens”

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Sat., Dec 12………………….…….5:00 p.m. – Worship Service

First English Lutheran Church

17 West 13th Street

Tyrone, PA 16686

Thursday, December 24

7:00 p.m.

“Candlelight Service”

at 7 p.m.

with special music,

the Sacrament of Holy Communion

and many favorite carols

Festival of Lessons & Carols

Sunday, December 27, 2020

First Sunday of Christmas

Please join us for as many services

as possible as we celebrate

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**Our Christmas tree in the sanctuary is in memory of “Homer Kib Rhoades,” by his wife and children.