PIONEER LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 3675 Church Rd, Conover, WI 54519 Church Office—715-479-4966 Pastor John Kuziej—715)479-4908 (906)932-4165 cell

Worship Service for November 27, 2016 First Sunday of Advent GATHERING Prayer of Confession and Forgiveness P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: You know what time it is: C: Now is the time to wake from sleep. P: Salvation is near! Let us confess our sin. C: God of night and day, there is no shadow that can conceal our sin from you and no secret that you will not bring to light. For our reveling and drunkenness, forgive us, O God. For our debauchery and licentiousness, forgive us, O God. For our quarreling and jealousy, forgive us, O God. O God, forgive us our sins, renew us in love, and teach us to live in a way that brings honor and glory to your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. P: Beloved, in your baptism you were bathed in light and clothed with grace. Therefore, put on the Lord Jesus Christ! Know that you are forgiven, and live in peace. C: Amen.

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Blessed Be Your Name Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful, where Your streams of abundance flow, blessed be You name. Blessed by Your name when I’m found in the desert place, though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be Your name. Ev’ry blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name! Blessed by Your name when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all “as it should be” blessed be Your name. Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be Your name. Ev’ry blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name! You give and take away, You give and take away. My heart will choose to say Lord blessed be Your Name! Ev’ry blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name!

Blessing of the Advent Wreath P: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You call all nations to walk in your light and to seek your ways of justice and peace, 2

for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near. Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath. Rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes and welcome him into our hearts and homes, for he is our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever. C: Amen. Hymn-Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah- First Verse only # 240 Greeting P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you. Prayer of the Day P: Let us pray. C. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen WORD

First reading- Isaiah 2:1-5 The visionary message presented in this reading focuses on a future day when God establishes a universal reign of peace. Divine decisions will make war obsolete, and the worshiping community responds: “Let us walk in that light of that Lord now!” 1

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2

In days to come 3

the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5

L: C:

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 122 (Read responsively by verse, the Pulpit side begins with the light text and the Piano side responds with the dark text. All read the refrain.) 4

Refrain 1

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Because of the house of the | LORD our God, I will seek to | do you good.”

I was glad when they | said to me, “Let us go to the house | of the LORD.” 2 Now our | feet are standing within your gates, | O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built | as a city that is at unity | with itself; 4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes | of the LORD, the assembly of Israel, to praise the name | of the LORD. 5 For there are the | thrones of judgment, the thrones of the | house of David. 6 Pray for the peace | of Jerusalem: “May they pros- | per who love you. 7 Peace be with- | in your walls and quietness with- | in your towers. 8 For the sake of my kindred | and companions, I pray for | your prosperity. 9 Because of the house of the | LORD our God, I will seek to | do you good.” R

Refrain 9Because of the house of the | LORD our God, I will seek to | do you good.”

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Second reading- Romans 13:11-14 Paul compares the advent of Christ to the coming of dawn. We live our lives today in light of Christ’s coming in the future. 11

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. L: C:

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gospel Acclamation Halle, halle, hallelujah! Halle, halle, hallelujah! Halle, halle, hallelujah! Hallelujah! Halelujah!

Gospel- Matthew 24:36-44 The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, unexpected event that will bring salvation or judgment upon people caught up in the usual affairs of daily life. He urges people to be alert and expectant. 6

[Jesus said to the disciples,] 36“About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon—Pastor John Kuziej 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 descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, 7

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 Intercession As we anticipate the fullness of the presence of Christ, we join with the church throughout the world, praying for all who are in need. A brief silence. For the church and its leaders, and for all who work for the unity of the gospel; that the compassion of Christ break down all divisions, let us pray. Have mercy, O God. For the well-being of creation, for mountains and hills, lakes and rivers, snow and sunshine, plants and animals, and for all who care for the earth; that God raise up stewards to protect this good creation, let us pray. Have mercy, O God. For peace among nations, for those who lead all levels of government, for judges and magistrates, and for those who speak for the voiceless; that all are treated with equity and fairness, let us pray. Have mercy, O God. For those who are anxious and worried, for the sick and bereaved, for the homeless and imprisoned, for those in any need (especially); that the compassion shown by Christ be embodied in caregivers and advocates, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

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For those who gather for word and sacrament, for those who travel, and for our holiday preparations; that in all our activities we give thanks to the Lord, let us pray. Have mercy, O God. Here other intercessions may be offered. In thanksgiving for those who have died and are at rest; that their witness to the gospel serve as examples of living the life of faith, let us pray. Have mercy, O God. Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, those spoken aloud and those known only to you, and grant us peace through Jesus Christ, our coming Savior. Amen. MEAL

Greeting of Peace PEACE The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.

The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say,

"Peace be with you," Sit OFFERING (Offering is received as the Lord’s Table is prepared.) Remember Me Remember me in a Bible cracked and faded by the years Remember me in a sanctuary filled with silent prayer And age to age, and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace Child of wonder Child of God I've remembered you, remember me.

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Remember me, when the color of the sunset fills the sky Remember me when you pray and tears of joy fall from your eyes And age to age, and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace Child of wonder Child of God I've remembered you, remember me. Remember me when the children leave their Sunday school with smiles Remember me, when they're old enough to teach, old enough to preach, old enough to leave….. And age to age, and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace Child of wonder Child of God I've remembered you, remember me.

Offertory Prayer P: Let us pray. C: We give you thanks and praise, O God, that you have built us up in faith and bound us together in love. By your grace, may all that we do show the glory of your name and serve the good of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Great Thanksgiving P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

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C: It is right to give our thanks and praise. P: It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. You call all people to follow your paths of justice and peace, beating their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. In the light of your holy Word we look for the day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, or learn war anymore. Therefore, with the entire company of heaven, and with your people on earth who live in this hope, we praise you and join in their never-ending praise: C: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. P: Holy are you and blessed is Jesus Christ your Son, for he is Emmanuel, God with us. Fulfilling the expectations of the prophets he healed the blind and the lame, cleansed the lepers, opened the ears of the deaf, raised the dead, and brought good news to the poor. Through his life, death, and resurrection you manifest your new covenant with humankind, and through the church of his disciples you give testimony to the power of your salvation for the world. For on the night he was betrayed he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying: Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. Again, after supper he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave the cup for all to drink, saying, ‘This 11

cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins. Do this for the remembrance of me. Therefore in remembrance of all your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we give ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a living sacrifice in union with Christ’s offering for the world as we declare: C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. P: Send your Holy Spirit upon us, gathered here out of love for you, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Let the bread we break be a true fellowship in the body of Christ. Let the cup we share be a true participation in the new covenant in his blood. By your Spirit empower us to be Christ for the world, serving in his name until the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Through your son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all glory and honor is yours, almighty God, now and forever. C: 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 12

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. Invitation to Communion P: Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you. Share in the feast of salvation. COMMUNION As the minister gives the bread and cup to each communicant, they say these words: The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond Amen. Not For A Moment You were reaching through the storm, walking on the water, even when I could not see, in the middle of it all. When I thought You were a thousand miles away, not for a moment did You forsake me. Not for a moment, did You forsake me. After all, You are constant. After all, You are only good. After all, You are sov’reign. Not for a moment will You forsake me. You were singing in the dark, whispering Your promise, even when I could not hear. I was held in Your arms, carried for a thousand miles to show, not for a moment did You forsake me. Not for a moment will You forsake me.

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And ev’ry step, ev’ry breath, You are there, ev’ry tear, ev’ry cry, ev’ry prayer. In my hurt, at my worst, when my world falls down, not for a moment will You forsake me. Even in the dark, even when it’s hard You will never leave me. After all, You are constant. After all, You are only good. After all, You are sov’reign. Not for a moment, will You forsake me. Not for a moment did You forsake me. Not for a moment will You forsake me. Post-communion blessing and prayer: P: Let us pray. God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and 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. C: Amen. SENDING Benediction P: May Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shine on you and scatter the darkness from before your path. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen. 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul, I’ll worship Your holy name.

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The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning, it’s time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes. Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul, I’ll worship Your holy name. You are rich in love and You’re slow to anger, Your name is great and Your heart is kind. For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing, Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find. Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul, I’ll worship Your holy name. And on that day, when my strength is failing, the end draws near, and my time has come; Still my soul will sing Your praise unending ten thousand years, and the forevermore. Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul, I’ll worship Your holy name. Dismissal P: Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. *********************

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Welcome to Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church! We rejoice that you have joined us to worship the Risen Lord this morning. We are a welcoming community of believers; ALL who believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine of Holy Communion, bringing to us the gift of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life, are welcome to gather at the Lord’s Table. And those who do not partake to Holy Communion are invited forward to receive a blessing. Please take a few moments to fill out the white card in your pew rack. If you would like a visit from Pastor or have other needs or prayer requests, please indicate this on the card.

VISITORS: Please be sure to pick up the latest copy of our monthly newsletter, The Lake View. You’ll find it on the west wall of the nave next to the red news box, and also on the website www.poineerlakelc.org. It’s loaded with a good message from Pastor John, monthly calendar of events, fun stories, a few jokes, goings on at PLLC, etc. When items of news interest come to PLLC would you please put a copy in the news box! Question for Reflection: What does it mean to “get your house in order” for the coming of the Lord? Can we ever be perfectly ready for Christ’s return? Why is the coming of the Lord compared to a thief in the night? Is there grace in God’s surprising advent, God’s unexpected arrival? Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church is in need of someone to fill the position of treasurer for the upcoming year. If you are interested in serving in this role, or would like to find out more, please talk to Bev Ahlborn or Pastor John.

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You are invited to Advent Prayer, a simple worship service followed by a light lunch of soup and bread. This service is on Wednesday, November 30th at noon. Looking toward December: The Children’s Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 11th during the morning service. The Christmas Eve Candlelight service will begin at 4:00 p.m. The Christmas Day service will be at the usual Sunday worship time of 9:00 a.m. Remember the Headwaters Food Pantry: Please bring nonperishable food items, laundry soap, or paper products for the pantry. -----Next year is the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation: on October 31st in the year 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg calling for reform in the church. The Church Council would like to have volunteers come forward to serve on a 500th Anniversary Committee to help plan events for the coming year. Please see Pastor if you would like to serve. The plant is given in Memory of Alvin Hogenmiller from Rita Hogenmiller

Please join us for coffee and goodies in the fellowship hall after service If you are away on Sunday and visit another congregation, please bring your bulletin, sign it, and pin it to the bulletin board under the sign, “Churches We Have Visited”. You will be eligible for a drawing of Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade items. Please remember ; Bob Clem, Rachel Colebrook, Martha Andeen, Alex Riverasearching for a school, Nancy Young, Donna Dow, Bob VanSlate, Don Sharon, Molly Zadra (Joyce Koski’s daughter), Peggy Waldron, Gordy Johnson, Jean Wolff, Phillip Fliflet(Darrell Fliflet’s brother),Terry Blaser(Joyce’s son) Reminder- Look over “Please Remember” 17

Serving in Worship Music Praise Band Lector: Amy Justice Communion Assistants: Members from the congregation Altar Guild: Robin Indermuehle & Judi Peppler Ushers & Greeters: Jim and Carol McDonough Acolyte: Maddie Indermuehle

THIS WEEK AT PIONEER Sunday

9:00 Worship10:15 Fellowship Pot Luck

Tuesday

11:30 Conference of Pastors-POP

Wednesday

12:00 Advent Service of Prayer-Lunch 4:00 Confirmation 9:00 Worship Service10:15 Fellowship 4:00 Lutefisk Dinner-Bake Sale

Next Sunday

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Lutefisk and Gigantic Bake Sale!! The 33rd annual

Lutefisk/Swedish Meatball Dinner will be held on Sunday, December 4. There will be only be a 4:00pm seating. Reservations are needed. Make yours by signing up on the sheets posted on the bulletin board, or by calling the church office @ 715-479-4966 or Maxine Bickelhaupt @ 715-545-3026. We are collecting payment at the time you make your reservations. Adults-$15.00, youth (5-10) $6.00, children under 5-Free. We will be available to collect on Sunday morning or you can call with your reservation and send the check to Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church, 3675 Church Road, Conover, WI 54519 Please sign up for donation of pies and rolls toward dinner. If you can help with dinner or clean up see or call Peggy Waldron (715479-4691) or Donna Dow (715-547-3576) Social Ministry will again be hosting a bake sale in conjunction with the Lutefisk dinner, and we hope everyone will be generous with donations. The best moving items are coffee cakes, bars, Christmas cookies, pies and quick breads.

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Adorn the Chancel this Christmas! Remember someone special by giving a poinsettia

Order Your Poinsettias

All orders need to be turned in no later than Sunday, December 11th. Each Poinsettia costs $10.00 Submit this form with payment in the offering plate in a sealed envelope labeled “Christmas Poinsettia” or send by mail to: Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church 3675 Church Road Conover WI 54519 Name:________________________________________ Number of Poinsettias: ___________________________ Please indicate the designation of the Poinsettia or Food Pantry Donation Given in honor of:________________________________ Given in memory of:______________________________ Given in thanks to God for:_________________________

*Please take your Poinsettia(s) home following the Christmas Eve Worship Service. 20