October Contributions: 3rd - $; 10th - $; 17th - $; 24th - $; 31st - $ :Building Fund - $810.00; Saxony Lutheran High School - $400.00; Lutheran’s For Life - $185.00. The portion of our October contributions that are used to run the church averages $4337.00 per Sunday. Our needs each week are $6303.00. As you can see, our contributions fall below what is need to effectively run our church by approximately $1454.00 each week. Please consider this with prayer when you decide on the amount you can contribute each week.

Concordia Lutheran Church 10172 Highway C

Frohna, MO 573.824.5435

concordiafrohna@att.net Website: concordiafrohna.org

Rev. Rod A. Benkendorf, Pastor Email – revbenkendorf@gmail.com

Home—573.352.0732, Cell—314.704.8202

Welcome to Concordia A Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Congregation

If you are our guest, please fill out a visitor card (in the pew rack behind the Communion cards) and either place it in the offering plate or hand it to an usher after the service. If you worship regularly with us and have a new

address, a prayer request or a message for the pastor or the church office, you are welcome to use the visitor card to share that with us. Thank you!

The back pews are reserved for families with small children. A nursery is available in our multi-purpose room on the side of the Narthex.

Large-print bulletins are available from the usher.

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The Fourth Sunday in Advent Sunday, December 18, 2016

DIVINE SERVICE, SETTING ONE

Opening Hymn: “Savior of the Nations, Come” LSB 332

Invocation, Confession & Absolution LSB 151

Introit (Isaiah 64:1 & Psalm 130) P: Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake

at your presence.

C: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

P: my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than

watchmen for the morning.

C: O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with

him is plentiful redemption.

P: And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the

beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. P: Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,

C: that the mountains might quake at your presence.

Kyrie LSB 152

Gloria in Excelsis LSB 154

Salutation and Collect of the Day P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you. P: Let us pray.

P: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which

weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and

reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 7:10–17 10

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11

“Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as

Sheol or high as heaven.” 12

But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to

the test.” 13

And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary

men, that you weary my God also? 14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15

He

shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16

For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose

two kings you dread will be deserted. 17

The Lord will bring upon you and upon your

people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that

Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria.”

Gradual P: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion.

C: Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem.

P: Behold, your king is coming to you;

C: righteous and having salvation.

P: Blessèd is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

C: From the house of the Lord we bless you.

Epistle Reading Romans 1:1–7 1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3concerning

his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be

the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the

dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to

bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

7To all those in Rome who are

loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Adult Choir: “When He Comes”

Common Alleluia LSB 156

Holy Gospel Matthew 1:18–25 18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been

betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the

Holy Spirit. 19

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to

shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20

But as he considered these things, behold, an

angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear

to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from

their sins.” 22

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name

Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the

angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25

but knew her not until she had

given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Apostles’ Creed LSB 159

Children’s Message

Sermon Hymn: “Hark the Glad Sound” LSB 349

Sermon: “Which He Promised Beforehand” Romans 1:1-7

Offering

Offertory: “We Give Thee But Thine Own” (vv.1-2) LSB 781

Prayers of the Church: (Congregational response: Hear our prayer)

Benediction LSB 166

Closing Hymn: “Once He Came in Blessing” LSB 333

Announcements

Postlude

Participants in this Morning’s Service

Greeters: Mahela Lueders and Dorothy Weinhold Organist: Lynn Mueller Acolyte: Bianca Scholl Elder: Earl Petzoldt Ushers: Tom Roth, Aaron Grebing, Ethan Schuessler, Rodney Katt Audio/Visual Team: Tom Clampitt, Jenny France

This Week’s Schedule

Today, Dec. 18 After Worship Potluck Dinner Donations to Regional Family Crisis Center Due

Tues., Dec. 20 7:30 p.m.

January Calendar Items Due Dartball—Frohna at New Wells

Wed., Dec. 21 A.M.

1:30 p.m.

(NO Bible Study) Christmas Service Practice Classroom Christmas Parties

Thurs., Dec. 22-Mon., Jan. 2, 2017

No School-Christmas and New Year’s Holidays

Thurs., Dec. 22 7:30 p.m. Adult Choir Sat., Dec. 24 (CHRISTMAS EVE)

5:30 p.m. 6 p.m.

Choir Concert Worship, led by Children

Sun., Dec. 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY)

9 a.m.

(NO Adult Bible Study) Worship with Holy Communion

Weekly Devotions (New Year’s Day/Naming & Circumcision of Jesus)

Hymn of the Week

LSB 624 “The Infant Priest Was Holy Born”

The infant Priest was holy born For us unholy and forlorn;

From fleshly temple forth came He, Anointed from eternity.

Bible Stories

12/19 -- M: Luke 2:1-7 12/20 -- Tu: Luke 2:8-14 12/21 -- W: Luke 2:15-20 12/22 -- Th: No School 12/23 -- F: No School

Bible Verse

(Christmas Program Work)

Catechism

K-2: (Christmas Program Work)

3-8: (Christmas Program Work)

Announcements

Welcome: We extend a warm welcome to all who have come to worship with us today. How long are you willing to wait for a promise to come to fruition? Days, weeks, years, lifetimes? We want it all RIGHT NOW! God’s people waited centuries for the Promised Messiah. We have one week before we celebrate the awesome beauty of that promise coming true. Hear the Word of the Lord.

A Word of God to chew on this week: [The Angel said,] “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV) Think about it. Talk about it. Memorize it. Take this wonderful food from God, and let it strengthen you.

New Members?: Are you interested in becoming a member, or know of somebody who is interested in becoming a member? Please contact Pastor Benkendorf at 824-5435 or revbenkendorf@gmail.com. He will gladly and willingly talk to any, and all, who are interested in becoming members of Concordia, Frohna.

Church Attendance: Worship – 171, one year ago – 181; Adult Bible Class – 23, one year ago – 33; Advent – 57, one year ago – 58

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Poinsettias are a beautiful part of our Advent and Christmas decorations as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. The following are Concordia members who've given poinsettias: Marie Katt in memory of Elmer Katt and Alfred and Joyce Kirn; Mike and Cindy Barich, in memory of Helen Barich, Vickie Barich, and Jim and Lillian Vogel; Clarence and Mildred Grebing in memory of Rhonda Grebing; Peggy Scholl, in memory of Gary Scholl; Boyd, Jenny, and Dalton France, in memory of Jacob Weber; Harry and Jean Mueller, in honor of their anniversary on December 14, in loving memory of Jean’s father who was called home on December 5, 2000, and for the love of family; Donnie and Sarah Stueve, in memory of Lorna Steffens; Lynn and Bonnie Mueller, in memory of their loved ones; Bob and Darlene Bachmann, in memory of loved ones; Ted and Sandy Oberndorfer, in memory of Edwin and Olga Oberndorfer; Marvin and Aileen Petzoldt, in memory of parents and sister; Dennis and Donna Hecht; Clifford and Kathy Stueve; Doyle and Donna Lueders; Stan and Pat Petzoldt; Dennis and Diane Leimbach; and Larry and Ruth Anna Burroughs. You may pick up your poinsettia after worship next Sunday, Christmas Day! Thanks to all who gave the gift of a poinsettia to beautify the sanctuary and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ!

“Portals of Prayer” (January-March) are available today on the north buffet.

Please pick up your Lutheran Witness today! – The December issue is still available on the north buffet.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Lutheran Witness in 2017, please sign the sheet on the south buffet. The order will be placed based on the number of sign-ups on the sheet.

A new Greeter’s Schedule (January-June 2017) is available today on the south buffet.

Please pick up your 2017 church contribution envelopes from the multi-purpose room.

Need a Stocking Stuffer Gift? The LWML has lots of kitchen items for sale for less than $10. You can choose from items such as washcloths, scouring pads, paring knives, and other kitchen gadgets which are in boxes on the floor of the LWML closet in the multi-purpose room. You may leave your money for these gifts in the can provided on the shelf in that closet.

Donations to Regional Family Crisis Center: The LWML is sponsoring free-will donations to the Regional Family Crisis Center in Perryville. Items are being collected in a specially-marked box in the multi-purpose room. This year, we are receiving help from the Thrivent Action Team Financial Aid Project. Some suggested items to donate are: cleaning supplies, trash bags, hair products, toothpaste (small tubes), simple makeup, pajamas/robes, pillows, socks, deodorant, dish detergent, Ziploc bags, copy paper, light bulbs, batteries, gift certificates to Wal-mart or Dollar General, and toiletries. A complete list is on the bulletin board. Please have your items in place today, December 18. Thanks for your help.

Deadline for bulletin items – Please have all items for the December 25 and January 1, 2017, bulletins in to the church office by this Wednesday, December 21, at 12 p.m.

All Pre-K through 2nd

Graders are welcome — Concordia preschool parents/grand-parents — If you feel your pre-school through 2

nd grade child is ready to sing "Away in

a Manger", they are most welcome to join us to sing at the Christmas Eve Service. Please bring them to the school by 5:30 p.m. (supervision will begin at

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5 p.m.) Christmas Eve — we will practice then. Words to the song are in the back of the church. If you have any questions, call Mrs. Lichtenegger at 824-5588.

Audio/Visual Person Needed — We are in need of an individual who would be willing to run the soundboard and video recording during worship services. There are multiple individuals who do this already, so it is NOT an every-Sunday task. Please contact Jeff Leible if you are interested.

Custodian Needed: With Tom Clampitt retiring at the end of the year, Concordia will need a new custodian. It is a full-time position with salary and benefits. If you are at all interested, please contact Robert Schlichting.

Reports Due – Reports from the secretaries and treasurers of Ladies Aid, LWML, Children’s Choir, Kitchen Committee, etc. for the Annual Report are due in the Church Office no later than Sunday, January 8, 2017. If the report has been generated on the computer, please provide it to the church office via e-mail (concordiafrohna@att.net), on a flash drive, or CD. Digital format is preferred; however, if your report needs to be typed by the Church Secretary, please provide it as soon as possible. Thank you for being prompt!

November Contributions: 6th – $5,934.50; 13

th – $9,148.50; 20

th – $8,747.50;

24th

(Thanksgiving Day) – $4,645.63; 27th – $3,897.00; 30

th (Advent) – $541.32;

Capital Improvement Fund – $300.00; Saxony Lutheran High School Scholastic Fund – $490.00; and Door Offering-Lutheran World Relief and Human Care – $612.07.

United in Christ Lutheran School (UCLS) Notes

Minutes from the UCLS Board of Education Meeting on November 17 are still available today on the south buffet.

Are you looking for a Christmas gift for someone? Copies of the United in Christ Lutheran School (UCLS) “Family Favorites” cookbook are still available for $15 per copy. Please contact Kim Scholl at 824-5443 to purchase a copy.

Saxony Lutheran High School Notes

The Saxony Lutheran High School Christmas Concert will be tomorrow, December 19, at 7 p.m. It will feature the band and choirs performing various carols and anthems, as well as the joint “Hallelujah Chorus”, in preparation of our Savior's Coming. Admission is free. A free-will donation will be taken in support of the music program.

Neighboring Church & Community Notes

Trinity Choral Society of Altenburg will present its annual Christmas Concert this evening at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. A reception will follow in the Lutheran Heritage Museum.

The Perry County Lutheran Chorale will have its “After-Christmas” Christmas Concert, with orchestra, on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 4 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Wells. The concert will feature Leavitt’s cantata – “What Child Is This” as well as favorite Christmas carols. Admission is free. A free-will offering will be taken in support of the chorale.

The 12th

Annual Christmas Tree Exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through January 15, 2017, at the Lutheran Heritage Center in Altenburg. All of the 50+ decorated trees have been revamped, and there are new themed trees and German Christmas collectibles. Featured trees include a "Down on the Farm" tree; Scherenschnitte (paper cutting) tree; "Oh, Holy Night" tree; trees with historic ornaments; a Delftware tree; and so much more. Visit the Christmas Gift Shop. The

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exhibit is open on weekends (closed Christmas Day only). Admission is always free, and bus tours are welcome. For more information, please call 824-6070 or visit the Lutheran Heritage Center’s website at www.lutheranmuseum.com.

KFUO Notes

Listen to “New Testament Study” weekdays at 8 a.m. on Lutheran Radio Station Worldwide KFUO.org. Listen this week as host Rev. Jonathan Fisk and a guest pastor study the New Testament reading from the Treasury of Daily Prayer — Monday, December 19 — Revelation 7:1-17 with guest Rev. Matthew Lorfeld from Messiah Lutheran Church in LaCrescent, Minnesota; Tuesday, December 20 — Revelation 8:1-13 with guest Rev. Andrew Ratcliffe from St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska; Wednesday, December 21 — Revelation 9:1-22 with guest Rev. Adam Koontz from Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania; Thursday, December 22 — Revelation 9:10-10:11 with guest Rev. Matthew Wurm from Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookings, South Dakota; and Friday, December 23 —Revelation 11:1-19 with guest Rev. Rob Riebau from Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, Missouri. Listen to KFUO on the radio at 850 AM, or live streaming and archived at www.kfuo.org. Follow KFUO on Facebook.com/KFUOradio or Instagram@kfuo.radio for shareable photos and program information.