1. Elk River Lutheran Church
As we enter this sacred place and time,
let us quiet our hearts and still our minds.
Prelude: Bea Bastyr
December 3, 2017
8:15am Service

2. Welcome to Elk River Lutheran Church
All are invited to share in the Lord’s Supper.
We encourage children to participate in worship and communion.
Nursery is available, should you desire it.
Restrooms are located in fellowship area and lower level.

3. Gathering Hymn (#244) “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”
VERSE 1
Rejoice, rejoice, believers,
and let your lights appear;
the evening is advancing,
and darker night is near.

4. Gathering Hymn (#244) “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”
The bridegroom is arising
and soon is drawing nigh.
Up, pray and watch and wrestle;
at midnight comes the cry.

5. Gathering Hymn (#244) “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”
VERSE 2
The watchers on the mountain
proclaim the bridegroom near;
go forth as he approaches
with alleluias clear.

6. Gathering Hymn (#244) “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”
The marriage feast is waiting;
the gates wide open stand.
Arise, O heirs of glory;
the bridegroom is at hand.

7. Gathering Hymn (#244) “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”
VERSE 4
Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
arise, O Sun so longed for,
o'er this benighted sphere.

8. Gathering Hymn (#244) “Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”
With hearts and hands uplifted,
we plead, O Lord, to see
the day of earth's redemption
that sets your people free!

9. Confession and Forgiveness (p.94)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who comes to wake us from sleep, who leads us into the light of grace. Amen. P C

10. Confession and Forgiveness (p. 94)
God of all time, We confess that we have not prepared for your merciful reign among us. We ignore our neighbors in need and fail in the labor of justice and peace. C

11. Confession and Forgiveness (p. 94)
In your mercy forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your light and to seek the things that will endure until Christ comes again in glory. Amen. C

12. Confession and Forgiveness (p. 94)
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven and all things are made new. Rejoice in this good news. Amen. P C

13. Greeting (p. 184)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. P C

14. Song of Praise (#251) “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness” V. 1
My soul proclaims your greatness, Lord; I sing my Savior's praise! You looked upon my lowliness, and I am full of grace. Now ev'ry land and ev'ry age this blessing shall proclaim— great wonders you have done for me, and holy is your name.

15. Prayer of the day
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

16. Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you 

17. Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

18. Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned up- on the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us.

19. Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
3Restore us, O God; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.  
4O Lord God of hosts, how long will your anger fume when your people pray?   

20. 5You have fed them with the bread of tears;
Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
5You have fed them with the bread of tears;
  you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision of our neighbors, and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

21. Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.  
17Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you have made so strong for yourself.

22. 18And so will we never turn a- way from you;
Reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
18And so will we never turn a- way from you;
  give us life, that we may call up- on your name.
19Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
  let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

23. Please stand for the Gospel
Gospel Acclamation
Please stand for the Gospel

24. Gospel Acclamation (#173)
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

25. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord. P C

26. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
[Jesus said:] 24“In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

27. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
26 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
  28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

29. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
  30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

30. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
  32“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.

31. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
  35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

32. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ P C

33. Children are invited to come to the front.
Children’s Message
Children are invited to come to the front.

34. Sermon Pastor Nathan Mugaas

35. Hymn of the Day (#436) “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” v. 1 & 2
VERSE 1 Wake, awake, for night is flying, the watchmen on the heights are crying; awake, Jerusalem, at last. Midnight hears the welcome voices, and at the thrilling cry rejoices:

36. Hymn of the Day (#436) “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” v. 1 & 2
"Come forth, you maidens! Night is past. The bridegroom comes! Awake; your lamps with gladness take!" Alleluia! Rise and prepare the feast to share; go, meet the bridegroom, who draws near.

37. Hymn of the Day (#436) “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” v. 1 & 2
VERSE 2 Zion hears the watchmen singing, and all her heart with joy is springing. She wakes, she rises from her gloom. Her dear friend comes down, all glorious, the strong in grace, in truth victorious:

38. Hymn of the Day (#436) “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” v. 1 & 2
her star is ris'n; her light is come. Now come, O Blessed One, Lord Jesus, God's own Son. Sing hosanna! Oh, hear the call! Come one, come all, and follow to the banquet hall.

39. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

40. Apostles’ Creed
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 descended to the dead.

41. Apostles’ Creed
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.

42. Apostles’ Creed
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.

43. Prayers of Intercession
Open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all of God’s creation. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. P C

44. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
Sharing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. P C

45. “Do You Hear What I Hear”
Offertory
Let us share and receive the gifts God has given us.
“Do You Hear What I Hear”
Arranged by Emily Crocker
Featuring ERLC Choir

46. Offering Prayer
Let us pray,
Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen. P C

47. The Great Thanksgiving (p. 190)
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. P C P C P C

48. Holy, Holy, Holy (#413) v. 3
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in pow'r, in love and purity.

49. Words of Institution
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. P

50. The Lord’s Prayer C
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…

51. The Lord’s Prayer
…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. C

52. Communion Invitation
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. You are invited to join in Holy Communion. Children are welcomed to join us at the altar for a blessing. Gluten free wafers available. Both wine and grape juice are available.

53. Communion Hymn (#272) “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
VERSE 1 Lo, how a rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming as seers of old have sung, it came, a flow'r so bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night.

54. Communion Hymn (#272) “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
VERSE 2 Isaiah had foretold it, the rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior, when half-spent was the night.

55. Communion Hymn (#272) “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
VERSE 3 This flow'r, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fill the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, from sin and death he saves us and lightens ev'ry load.

56. Communion Hymn (#272) “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
VERSE 4 O Savior, child of Mary, who felt our human woe; O Savior, king of glory, who dost our weakness know: bring us at length, we pray, to the bright courts of heaven and into endless day.

57. Communion Hymn (#490)“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
VERSE 1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descending comes full homage to demand.

58. Communion Hymn (#490)“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
VERSE 2 King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, in the body and the blood, he will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food.

59. Communion Hymn (#490)“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
VERSE 3 Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way; as the Light of light, descending from the realms of endless day, comes, the pow'rs of hell to vanquish, as the darkness clears away.

60. Communion Hymn (#490)“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
VERSE 4 At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry: "Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!"

61. Communion Blessing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God's grace. Amen. P C

62. announcing your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Communion Prayer P
Let us pray.
God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share.
Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our hearts, and send us forth to be your people in the world,
announcing your coming among us
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. C

63. Community Announcements
Welcome guests! Thank you for worshipping with us. Please feel free to take home your worship bulletin for people and families to keep in your prayers. Visit for the latest information.

64. Blessing of Congregation
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen. P C

65. Sending Song (#246) “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding” v. 1, 2 & 4
VERSE 1
Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding!
"Christ is near," we hear it say.
"Cast away the works of darkness,
all you children of the day!"

66. Sending Song (#246) “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding” v. 1, 2 & 4
VERSE 2
Wakened by the solemn warning,
from earth's bondage let us rise;
Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling,
shines upon the morning skies.

67. Sending Song (#246) “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding” v. 1, 2 & 4
VERSE 4
So, when next he comes in glory
and the world is wrapped in fear,
he will shield us with his mercy
and with words of love draw near.

68. Special thanks to all who assisted during worship.
Sending Dialog P
Go in peace. Share the Good News!
We will! Thanks be to God. C
Special thanks to all who assisted during worship.
If you would like to assist in worship or volunteer in other ways, please contact the office. Thanks.
Liturgy, songs and lyrics are reprinted with permission. Current copyright licenses held with CCLI, OneLicense, Licensing and Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.