ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
PRAIRIE HILL
6605 Old Independence Road
Brenham, Texas 77833
Phone 836-8666 Fax 251-7551
"A Place to Call Home"
We are a family of faith,
Gathering around
Word and Sacrament,
Forming disciples,
and Proclaiming the Gospel
to the world!
8:00 am and 10:05 am Worship Services
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NO 8:00 AM SERVICE - NOVEMBER 23, 2008
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WELCA Thank Offering
10:05 am - November 23rd, 2008
Holy Communion Service
WELCOME VISITORS! We rejoice you have chosen to worship with us, and hope that you feel welcome to call Prairie Hill your home. Everything you need to follow the service is printed in your bulletin, and the hymns are found in the red books in the pew.
A cry room and a bathroom are located near the entrance to the church (the back of the sanctuary). If you have any questions about our church family, please feel free to ask one of the ushers, the person next to you in the pew, or talk to Pastor David after the service.
HOLY COMMUNION is distributed by bread and wine in individual glasses or in a common cup. Individual glasses of white grape juice are available for those who are unable to consume wine. All baptized Christians are invited to join us at the table for the Sacrament of Holy Communion, in which we confess that we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord in, with, and under the elements of bread and wine. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead of communion, simply come forward and cross your arms over your chest so that Pastor David will know to bless you.
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE CARDS: We ask that all who worship with us please fill out a worship attendance card (located in the pews) and place it in the offering plate. Please use the back of the card to note if you have any special prayer requests.
Christ the King Sunday - On this final Sunday of the church year our Gospel is Jesus’ great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet awaiting the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Our Sunday School meets every week in the Parish Hall (through the large double doors) at 9:00 AM. Children of all ages are invited to join us as we learn more about Jesus and our Christian life.
Adults are invited to gather in the classroom in the office annex for fellowship and learning.
Servants of St John
Missionaries The members of St. John
Pastor The Rev. David L Hansen
Dir. of Music & Worship Julia B. Hansen
Men & Ladies’ Choir DirectorMary Longhofer
Accompanist Julia B. Hansen
Acolyte Kallie Finke
Guest Speaker Glenda Stegent
Guest soloist Tricia Schroeder
Assisting Ministers Pat Schroeder, Mary Hill, Lisa Finke, and Carolyn Kessel
Council Members Karen Rosenbaum and Donna Skrla
Ushers Donna Bentke and Jean Seeker
Altar Preparations Delores Gaskamp and Mildred Spreen
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by the Klatte family in celebration of Herbert and Cathie’s wedding anniversary and Taylor’s baptism.
FLOWERS IN FRONT OF THE ORGAN are give to the glory of God by Robert and Annette in celebration of their wedding anniversary.
The service is found in the front of Evangelical Lutheran Worship (the red book), hymns are found in the back of ELW.
Please stand as you are able for those portions of the service marked with an asterisk (*)
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~~GATHERING AROUND THE WORD~~
PRELUDEFor the Beauty of the Earth
Amazing Grace
Kallie Finke, piano
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Camryn Finke, piano
ANNOUNCEMENTS by Pat Schroeder
*THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, we are gathered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
When we were joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we were clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness. Together let us remember our baptism.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit brooded over the waters and you created the world by your Word, calling for the life in which you took delight. You led Israel safely through the Red Sea into the land of promise, and in the waters of the Jordan, you proclaimed Jesus your beloved one. By water and the Spirit you adopted us as your daughters and sons, making us heirs of the promise and servants of God. Through this water remind us of our baptism.
Shower us with your spirit, that your forgiveness, grace, and love may be renewed in our lives. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
*GATHERING HYMN Crown Him with Many Crowns (v. 1, 3 &5)#855
*GREETING
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.
*HYMN OF PRAISE Praise and Thanksgiving (v. 1 &4)#689
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
O God of power and might,
Your Son shows us the way of service,
and in him we inherit the riches of your grace.
Give us the wisdom to know what is right
and the strength to serve the world you have made,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
Good and gracious God, we thank and praise you for creating us in your image. May we reflect in our own lives your love and mercy and be ever renewed in the spirit of your grace.
Amen.
~~PROCLAIMING THE WORD~~
FIRST READINGEPHESIANS 1:15-23
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALMODY PSALM 95:1-7
Come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before God’s presence with thanksgiving
and raise a loud shout to the Lord with psalms.
For you, Lord, are a great God,
and a great ruler above all gods,
In your hand are the caverns of the earth;
the heights of the hills are also yours.
The sea is yours, for you made it,
and your hands have molded the dry land.
Come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For the Lord is our God,
and we are the people of God’s pasture
and the sheep of God’s hand.
Oh, that today you would hear God’s voice!
*GOSPEL MATTHEW 21:23-32
Alleluia! Lord to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia!
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the twenty-first chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ 41Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ 45Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, O Christ!
SERMONIn His Footsteps Glenda Stegent
SPECIAL MUSICCaptivate UsTricia Schroeder
HYMN OF THE DAYBeautiful SaviorLadies’ Choir
*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
With the whole people of Christ Jesus, let us call upon God for the sake of the church, the world, and all who are in need of prayer.
A brief silence.
For all those who call upon God in faith and devotion in every place and language, that all peoples of the world may live to love and serve the Lord. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
For the ministry of the whole church, that our offerings may be used to strengthen those who suffer injustice around the world. May we remember that we are all made equal in the image of God. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
Creator God, we thank you for your gifts of good soil, clean air, and crops gathered throughout our land. We pray for those who do not have clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, or food to nourish their bodies. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
Comforting God, we pray for healing and wholeness for women and children living in violence, exploitation or abuse. Give them the safety and peace that only your Son Christ can bring. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
We also pray for those who are sick, in body or mind, especially Susan, John, Lauren, Karen, Dorothy, Lydia, Lonie, Rosa Lee, and those we name before you in our hearts. Wrap them in your loving arms and heal them with the peace that only you can give. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
We pray for all who celebrate and rejoice this week, especially Adrienne, Josephine, Dillon, Irma, Rosa, Brian, Taylor, Jess, Ruby, Keith, and Chad, who are celebrating baptismal anniversaries and Robert & Annette, Glenn & Connie, and Larry & Linda, who are celebrating wedding anniversaries. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
For the ministries of the Women of the ELCA, both in this congregation and throughout the church, that we may continue to serve you and others. As we are blessed,
let us bless the Lord.
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
~~SHARING OUR GIFTS~~
*THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
OFFERING HYMNMen’s Choir
*OFFERTORYCome, Ye Thankful People Come (v. 1)#693
Come, ye thankful people, come;
raise the song of harvest home.
All be safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin.
God, our maker, doth provide
for our wants to be supplied.
Come to God’s own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.
*OFFERTORY PRAYER
Let us pray.
Generous God,
Our offerings are returned to you in recognition
that we have been freely blessed with unmerited gifts;
receive them now so that we may serve our neighbors,
telling of your grace, hope, and justice.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~~RECEIVING GOD’S SACRAMENT~~
*DIALOGUEp. 152
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.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy …
… we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
*SANCTUSp. 153
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, Lord God of pow’r and might
heav’n 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.
*EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
O God, most mighty,
O God, most merciful...
...We remember his death, and let the people say, Amen.
Amen.
We celebrate his resurrection, and let the people shout, Amen.
Amen.
We beg him to come again and again, and let the people plead. Amen.
Amen.
And now, gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
*THE 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 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.
LAMB OF GODp. 154
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace, grant us peace.
DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Special Music during communion:
Come, Now is the Time to Worship
Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Tricia Schroeder, Laura Pieper, and Julia Hansen
~~BEING SENT TO PROCLAIM~~
*POST COMMUNION PRAYER
Let us pray.
Pour out upon us your Holy Spirit that we may provoke one another to love and serve the whole people of God for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*BENEDICTION
Almighty God, bless us,
renew the risen life of Christ within us,
and bring forth in us the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
*SENDING HYMNJesus Shall Reign #434
*DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Grow in grace.
Thanks be to God!
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PRAYER CONCERNS:
St. Paul tells us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Our prayer concerns are listed here, with the hope that you will take this list home with you and lift these persons up in prayer.
Our Church Family:
Susan MeyerJohn Kruse Lauren DavisKaren Eckert
Dorothy NeimeyerLydia LangeLonie Reue Rosa Lee Kokemor
Friends and Family:
Ben Helton Elwood Wehring Mathew Engeling Shorty Trostle
Milton Eckermann, Jr. Franke Hoppe Gretchen Wernecke Samantha Schwab
Brenda Meadows Brenda MorganDolly Krause Aiden Immorth
Gordon Parker Beulah Carnes Jack Dwyer Ruth Gilbert
Lillian Kitowski Barbara BaranowskiRobin Childs Ray Dickens
Elizabeth BlakeJack New Gary Sonnenburg Judy Tiemann
Those serving in the military:
Troy Giese Trevor VoelkelTyson VoelkelBert Rosenbaum
Nathan ZwahrAaron Nelson Bret Stark Michael Irvine
Shane Shupak
Those celebrating baptismal anniversaries:
Adrienne FairlieJosephine Hugo Dillon Randermann
Irma Webernick Rosa KokemoorBrian RosenbaumTaylor Klatte
Jess Boswell Ruby Schlottmann Keith Kroll Chad Westerfeld
Those celebrating wedding anniversaries:
Robert & Annette Glenn & Connie MuellerLarry & Linda Pieper
Our Leaders
Pastor David HansenBishop Mark HansonBishop Mike Rinehart
Governor Rick Perry President George Bush
[Names on the prayer list for more than 60 days may be removed. Please notify the church office or make a note on your Worship Attendance Card if your prayer concern is on-going]
If continuing prayer concern has been removed from the prayer list, please leave a note on your Worship Attendance card and the name will be re-added to the prayer list.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Next Sunday, November 30, is the first Sunday of Advent—it is also the first Sunday of the new church year. We begin the church year by preparing: preparing to celebrate Christmas and preparing for the triumphant return of Christ. Join us for worship as we ring in the new year and prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.
2009 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Next year’s offering envelopes may be picked up in the cry room.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS BAG TIME!
Until December 7th we will be accepting donations toward our traditional Sunday School Christmas Bags. Donations may be placed in the designated offering plate at the back of the church or you can contact Cathy Boeker 830-5182.
THANKSGIVING WORSHIP
As you make your plans for the holidays, please make time to give thanks for the many good gifts we have received in the last year. Our family of faith will gather on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26th, at 7:00 PM for Thanksgiving worship.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM REHEARSAL
The Sunday School Children will rehearsing for the Christmas Program on Monday evenings, December 1, 8, and 15, from 6:30—8:00 pm. The program will be presented on December 21st at 5:00 pm.
WANTED: PING PONG TABLE
We are in search of a ping pong table to use for Christmas in the Country on December 13th. Contact the church office (836-8666) if you have one you’d be willing to lend for the day.
2009 FLOWER CHART
The Flower Chart for 2009 has been posted on the bulletin board in the Office Annex Classroom. If you would like to donate altar flowers in memory or honor of someone on a Sunday next year, please sign up as soon as possible.
PARSONAGE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Pastor David & Julia invite you to come to the Parsonage as we begin our holiday celebrations. On Saturday, December 6, from 2:00—4:00 pm, stop by the Parsonage for fellowship, refreshments, and a great time. See you there!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Next Sunday, November 30, is the first Sunday of Advent—it is also the first Sunday of the new church year. We begin the church year by preparing: preparing to celebrate Christmas and preparing for the triumphant return of Christ. Join us for worship as we ring in the new year and prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fun Holiday Events at St. John Lutheran
Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2-4 pm
Christmas Open House at the parsonage
Saturday, Dec. 13th
Christmas in the Country
Sunday, Dec. 21st, 5pm
Children’s Christmas program,
“A Surprising Christmas” in the parish hall
Help decorate our church with Christmas Poinsettias
A Christmas poinsettia may be purchased in memory of or in honor of someone special in your life. The cost this year is $11 for a beautiful red poinsettia in a
metallic wrap. In lieu of purchasing a plant, you may make a donation, in any amount, to our church's Prison Ministry. Please send your check, along with the order form (printed below or in the November newsletter) to Pat Schroeder by December 7th.
Name:___________________________________ Phone: ________________
No. of plants: _________OR Donation to Prison Ministry: $_____________
In honor of: _______________________ ______
OR In memory of: _________________________________
Total enclosed: $__________________
Please make checks payable to St. John WELCA, and send to:
Pat Schroeder
4909 FM 50
Brenham, TX 77833
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Today………………………GOOD NEIGHBOR SUNDAY
10:05 AM WELCA Thankoffering Service
Wednesday…………………. 7:00 PM THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
(No Choir practices this week)
Thursday…………………… Thanksgiving Day - (Office closed)
Friday………………………. Office closed
Next Sunday……………….. FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9:00 AM Christian Education
2:30 PM Schulze’s Anniversary open house
You are Invited - Ken and Phyllis Bickham invite the members of St John to join them at a memorial service for Phyllis’ parents, Dick and Doris Nevergall, on November 29th at 7:00 pm.
Next Week’s Readings
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
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