Bethany Lutheran Church | 4500 East Hampden Avenue | Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 | www.bethany-denver.org | 303-758-2820

HOLD ON: A Witness to the Light ADVENT 3 | 8:15 A.M. & 10:15 A.M. | DECEMBER 17, 2017

Gathering

PRELUDE People, Look East Robert A. Hobby

Please use the prelude as a quiet time to prepare yourself for worship.

WELCOME

You are invited to stand.

ADVENT DIALOGUE

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined.

God knows those times when we bring darkness upon others.

Forgive us, O Lord, when we fail to be beacons of your light.

In these days we prepare for your breaking into the world and into our lives anew.

Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Refresh our hearts that long for you.

Please face the processional cross.

GATHERING HYMN Go Tell It on the Mountain Hymn #290

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.

BIBLE VERSE OF

THE MONTH

Isaiah 61:10a

I will greatly rejoice in

the Lord, my whole

being shall exult in my

God.

The Sunday School age

children will lead the

congregation in the

hymn Go Tell It on the

Mountain. The

congregation will sing

the verses and the

children will sing the

refrain.

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KYRIE

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HYMN OF PRAISE Joy to the World (vs. 1) Hymn #267

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;

let ev’ry heart prepare him room

and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing,

and heav’n and heav’n and nature sing!

Please be seated.

ANTHEM (10:15 a.m.) Baby Lyin’ in a Manger Peter Combe

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING

Savior of the nations, come.

Make your home here in us.

Feed us with your love,

That our faith shine ever new and our lives reveal your light.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of

your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Je-

sus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

Word

LESSON Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-11 Holy Bible pg. 770-771 (OT)

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

You are invited to stand.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

LESSON

Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-11

Though the people had

returned to Jerusalem

from exile in Babylon,

they continued to face

hardship and

oppression. In the

language of the jubilee

year described in

Leviticus 25, the

prophet, moved by the

spirit of the Lord,

announces deliverance

for those who are

oppressed and comfort

for those who mourn.

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The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL John 1:6-8, 19-28 Holy Bible pg. 94-95 (NT)

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY (8:15 a.m.) People, Look East Hymn #248

ANTHEM (10:15 a.m.) Feliz Navidad arr. Audrey Snyder

SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM (10:15 a.m.) (see back of bulletin)

Amelia Marie Littlejohn, daughter of

Patrick Littlejohn and Maile Turner, born August 26, 2016

APOSTLES’ CREED (8:15 a.m.)

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, 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.

PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.

After sharing the Peace, please be seated.

Offering

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Christmas Eve, Messiah, We’re Hiring

OFFERING Hear the Angels Sing (8:15 a.m.) Phil Kadidlo &

Robin Mann Welcome, Advent (10:15 a.m.) Rick Seaton

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Response: Lord in your mercy…Hear our prayer.

GOSPEL

John 1:6-8, 19-28

John’s gospel

describes Jesus as

the “light of the

world.” John the

Baptist is

presented as a

witness to Jesus,

one who directs

attention away

from himself to

Christ, the true

light.

BAPTISM

In baptism we are

received into the

family of God, that

is, the Church. In

baptism Amelia

Marie will be washed

into Christ and

clothed with

Righteousness. As

people of God we are

called to join all

God’s people for the

sake of sharing

God’s love and grace

in the world.

Meal

WELCOME TO THE LORD’S TABLE

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

PREFACE It is indeed right, our duty and our joy... ...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS

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THE LORD’S

PRAYER

Our second grade

students engaged

with the Lord’s

Prayer for two

weeks with their

families and are

leading us in

reciting the prayer

this morning at our

10:15 a.m. worship.

Congratulate them

on their learning!

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WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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.

Please be seated.

THE DISTRIBUTION

Bethany welcomes all to receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. An

usher will direct you forward for communion. There are several stations across the front

of the seating sections. Groups are welcome to visit a communion station together. You

will receive a piece of bread in your hand, please dip the bread into the cup of wine. Those

who are not receiving communion are invited to receive a blessing. Note that the commun-

ion station at the center has gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine.

LAMB OF GOD

COMMUNION MUSIC Born ‘Neath a Star (8:15 a.m.) Cynthia Gray

Carol of the Bells (10:15 a.m.) arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Niño Lindo (10:15 a.m.) Ruth Boshkoff

COMMUNION HYMN Love Has Come Hymn #292

You are invited to stand.

BLESSING

Sending

BENEDICTION

ANTHEM (8:15 a.m.) Baby Lyin’ in a Manger Peter Combe

SENDING HYMN (10:15 a.m.) Joy to the World Hymn #267

DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE Angels, from the Realms of Glory Robert A. Hobby

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Liturgical Text and Worship Notes: From Sundays and Seasons.com © 2017 Augsburg For tress. All r ights reserved. Repr inted by

permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006681.

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WORSHIP LEADERS

PASTORS Pastor Gary Sandberg, Pastor Russ Britton, Pastor Brigette Weier

ORGANIST Rick Seaton

ASSISTING MINISTER Vicky Daub

LECTOR

(Coordinator: Ron Gusé)

Koren Holden (8:15 a.m.)

Elton Winters (10:15 a.m.)

MUSICIANS Sounds of Praise, Paula Wills, Director

Cherub Choir, Zach Rodasti, Director (8:15 a.m.)

Sounds of Praise, Paula Wills, Director

Cherub Choir, Zach Rodasti, Director

Alpha Ringers, Alex Rodasti, Director

ReBELLion, Alex Rodasti, Director

Celebration, Juli Dowell, Director

Jubilation & Inspiration, Juli Dowell, Director

Anada Gusé, Accompanist (10:15 a.m.)

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTERS The McCreesh, Craven, and Wittebort families (8:15 a.m.)

Charlie, Michelle, Peyton, Graham, and Beckett Jones (10:15 a.m.)

ACOLYTES Sam Johnson, Emily Johnson (8:15 a.m.)

Lucy Gray, Mia Maturo (10:15 a.m.)

COMMUNION SERVERS

(Coordinators:

Karen Tennien, 8:15 a.m.

Alison Betts, 10:15 a.m.)

Sylvia Boedeker, Peggy Furgason, Diane Herrmann,

Koren Holden, Mel Stolzenburg (8:15 a.m.)

Arlis Adolf, Judi Burchfield, Gretchen Hack,

Morris Hack, Lori Roenfeldt (10:15 a.m.)

SACRISTAN

(Coordinator: Dave Malucky)

Dave Malucky

USHERS

(Coordinators:

Dave Okes, 8:15 a.m.

Andy Gift, 10:15 a.m.)

Steve Esterline, Bill Herrmann, Dave Kirchner, Gary Miller,

Scott Scholbe, David Scott, Bud Setzer, Richard Will (8:15 a.m.)

David Admire, Andy Gift, Ben King, Lowell Palmquist,

Judy Sturm, Julane Powell (10:15 a.m.)

SOUND TECHNICIANS

(Coordinators: Forrest Guittar, Laura Romig)

Erik Boss, Trevor McLean

ALTAR GUILD

(Coordinator: Linda Sather)

Gwen Grace, Gail Hipke, Jean Lindsey, Carol Rankin, Karol Setzer

NURSERY ATTENDANTS Kathy Shearer

ACCESSIBILITY AT BETHANY

Hearing Assistance: Please see the

Sound Tech in the sound booth if you

need a hearing assistant device.

Please see the ushers for a

large print bulletin.

We welcome our new worshipers today! Please fill out the green welcome sheet in your bulletin, and join in

fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. To learn more about Bethany’s Bible studies and various ministries, pick up

a Life Together at Bethany booklet at the Welcome Center or download it from our website - www.bethany-

denver.org. Bethany hosts New Worshiper Information Sessions quarterly and then receives new members.

Schedule a home visit with a pastor to discuss how Bethany’s ministries might connect with your faith journey.

Contact Sarah at sarah@bethany-denver.org for more information about becoming a member.

Worship Schedule

Sundays: 8:15 & 10:15 a.m. ~ Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m.

Also available: Watch live streaming and archived services at www.BethanyLive.org.

EDUCATION AT BETHANY:

Christmas break for Sunday School, Confirmation, and Children’s Music will be Sundays, December 24 and 31, and Wednesdays December 27 and January 3. There will be an Epiphany Celebration for all in the Fellowship Hall at 9:25 a.m. on January 7. Regular classes resume on Wednesday, January 10, and Sunday January 14. Merry Christmas!

Beginning January 7, the education time will

start at 9:25 a.m. and end at 10:05 a.m. This

allows for more flexibility! TODAY AT BETHANY Poinsettias: Today is the last day to contr ibute

towards the cost of a poinsettia in honor or in memory

of a loved one. Look for the red envelopes in the pew

racks or at the Welcome Center. $25.00 donation.

—

Our Fourth Metro Caring Food Breakdown is

TODAY in the Fellowship Hall between services.

Help breakdown bags of rice and beans into quart

sized with sponsor-donated funds from the Stephen

Ministry and the Benevolence Ministry Team.

—

Handel's Messiah: Colorado Bach Ensemble, under

the direction of James Kim, will be presenting the full

Messiah in the Bethany Sanctuary today at 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit

www.ColoradoBach.org.

—

Need some votive candle holders to complete your

Christmas decorations? We have some! Stop by the

table in the Fellowship Hall and check them out. Then

give a donation for them at the Welcome Center.

—

The Global Mission Ministry Team is selling fair

trade coffee, tea, and chocolate in the Fellowship Hall.

Proceeds help small farmer growers in Latin America,

Africa and Asia through Lutheran World Relief, Equal

Exchange and Divine Chocolate.

—

ELCA World Hunger Christmas Ornaments: Have

you ever selected a gift for someone in need from a

Christmas tree in a store or shopping mall? Now you

can do the same thing at Bethany to support ELCA

World Hunger. Pick up and pay for an ornament at the

tree by the Welcome Center. You can then give the

ornament to your loved ones.

—

Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive: Instead of

getting a gift or chocolate every day in Advent, put a

non-perishable food item in a box each day. Pick up a

list in the Fellowship Hall or at the Welcome Center.

Bring your full box to Bethany, and we will get it to

Metro Caring.

—

BECC Gift Cards are available in the Fellowship

Hall. Your purchase helps support our own Bethany

Early Childhood Center! You receive the dollar

amount on the gift card and BECC receives 5%.

Thanks for your support!

—

Flowers Today are given by Jim & Joyce Deutsch in

celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary, and by

Geoff & Kayla Tibbals in celebration of their 1st

wedding Anniversary (married at Bethany 12-17-

2016). Beginning January 1, flowers will cost $50. 9

Sign up to donate flowers in 2018 at the Welcome

Center.

THIS WEEK

Do you have an eye for Poinsettia arranging? Come

help decorate the Sanctuary for our early Christmas

Eve Service on Wednesday, December 20. We will

meet at 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, but come when you

can! Services start at 7:00 pm. We will also be

arranging poinsettias in the Sanctuary, Great Hall, and

Chapel on Saturday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Contact Laura Romig at laura@bethany-denver.org.

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

ADVENT FOUR: There will be one service on

Sunday, December 24 at 9:15 a.m. in the

Sanctuary.

—

CHRISTMAS EVE: There will be services at 1:00,

3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 p.m. See page 11

for more information.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVANTS:

Ushers are par ticular ly needed. You can be

quickly trained to be wonderful hosts for the

many people who will come to Bethany this

Christmas. Sign up at the Welcome Center, or at

http://signupschedule.com/bethany.

We do have a few spots open for Communion

Servers. Sign up at the Welcome Center .

We are looking for Great Hall Hosts for the 3:00

and 5:00 (and potentially 9:00) worship services

on Christmas Eve. These are families that will

intentionally worship in the Great Hall and

welcome people into the hall when the Sanctuary

has reached capacity. Please contact Pastor Gary

if you and your family are willing to serve in this

way (gary@bethany-denver.org).

LOOKING AHEAD

January 7 in worship we will celebrate the Day of

Epiphany! We will hear the story of the Magi and

celebrate in the Fellowship Hall between worship ser-

vices with crafts, pancakes and fun! Invite a friend!

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Theater & Theology: The next play on the schedule

is “Zoey’s Perfect Wedding” on Tuesday, January 30.

Disaster after disaster follow one unfortunate bride

down the aisle, from brutally honest boozy speeches to

a totally incompetent wedding planner. Watch in awe

as this wildly funny fiasco destroys her expectations

with the realities of commitment, fidelity and growing

up. Pay $35 each for your tickets by Sunday, January 7

at the Welcome Center

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Gifts Processer / Bookkeeper: We are hir ing a gifts

processor for Bethany and bookkeeper for the Bethany

Early Childhood Center. Approximately 20 hours per

week. Monday mornings at Bethany are required, but

other hours are flexible. Please contact Pastor Gary

with questions, or submit resume to gary@bethany-

denver.org.

—

Bethany Early Childhood Center is seeking a

part-time cook (20-25 hours a week) to serve

nutritious and delicious meals to our young students.

Contact the BECC director, Keith, at keith@bethany-

denver.org for more information and to submit a

resume.

—

Help wanted — Volunteer Receptionist: We are

accepting applications for persons to volunteer as a

receptionist. We are still looking for volunteers for

Monday and Tuesday mornings and Fridays.

Applications are available in the office or at the

Welcome Center.

—

Pause for Advent: This Advent season, Bethany’s

Health and Wellness team is challenging Bethany’s

community to support the Offline October movement

with their own Pause for Advent campaign. Join the

team by pausing your social media use for Advent

2017 (December 3 – December 24). Questions?

Contact Vicky at church or at lvdaub2@gmail.com.

GENEROSITY UPDATE

Bethany Fund: Expected Actual

November $169,516 $119,188

Fiscal TD $684,037 $653,285

December 3, 2017 $55,957

December 10, 2017 $31,343

Renewal For Growth: As of December 12, we have

received 207 commitments for a total of $1,461,370

towards our goal of 500 commitments and $1.6M.

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ADVENT 4 | CHRISTMAS EVE | CHRISTMAS worship schedule

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 7:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve Join us for a full Christmas Eve service with Chancel Choir and Carillons, Communion, and Candlelight. If

you are traveling over the Christmas weekend, or if family coming in becomes stressful, allow this worship to

give you Christmas at Bethany. Invite friends and neighbors who may be in the same situation.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 9:15 A.M. | Advent 4 Bethany will observe Advent 4 at one service on Christmas Eve morning. Join us in the Sanctuary for worship

featuring a classical guitar duet. (The Nursery will not be staffed at this service.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve (Live Nativity) Join us for a unique outdoor service in the courtyard. Children can participate by donning a costume of an an-

gel, shepherd or other character. Just show up a little early and take part. We will have live animals as a part of

this family-friendly service. (The Nursery will not be staffed at this service.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve These 4 traditional worship services include Communion and Candlelight, and special music from the below

Bethany and guest ensembles:

3:00 P.M. — Bethany’s Children’s and Youth Choirs, Celebration, Inspiration, and Jubilation

5:00 P.M. — Denver Brass and Bethany’s Bell Choir, Carillons

7:00 P.M. — Denver Brass and Vocal Soloists

9:00 P.M. — Denver Brass and Bethany’s Chancel Choir (The Nursery will not be staffed at

this service.)

*** Please note that the 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. worship services will include seating in both the Sanctuary

and Great Hall. Please come early to find a seat, or consider worshiping at one of our later services. We

anticipate that for the 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. services, congregants will be seated in the Sanctuary.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 11:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve This service will feature a softer worship style, with Harp and soloists. It will also include Candlelight and

Communion. (The Nursery will not be staffed at this service.)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 10:15 A.M. | Christmas Day We will hold one worship service at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary on Christmas morning. (The Nursery will not

be staffed at this service.)

Celebration of Holy Baptism

L: We gather at these living waters. Throughout history, God’s saving action toward God’s people has taken place through wa-

ter. Let us pray:

Most Holy God, you created the seas, rivers, and lakes; you saved Noah and his family from the floods; you led

the Israelites through the Red Sea and quenched their thirst with water flowing from a rock. Through the

waters of the Jordan River, you proclaimed Jesus your own beloved son and so through these waters of

baptism, you proclaim that we, too, are your own beloved children, now and forever. Amen.

L: Parents, do you wish Amelia to be baptized into the promises of God? R: I do.

L: People of God, do you promise to support Amelia as she continues her journey of faith? C: We do.

We make promises and assume responsibilities at baptism. God promises us unconditional love and life forever, and we know

that our journey of faith encompasses certain promises so that our lives reflect this love. Parents, do you promise to:

live with her among God’s faithful people, bring her to the Lord’s table,

teach her the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,

place the holy scriptures in her hands to nurture her faith and prayer life, so that she may know and trust God,

encourage her to proclaim Christ in her life, care for others, the creation that God made,

and work for justice and peace? R: I do.

L: Parents, sponsors and people of God, do you promise to support and pray for Amelia in her new life in Christ?

C: We do.

Together we confess our faith in God, who creates, redeems and sustains us.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and

he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

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

Baptism: Amelia Marie, Child of God, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer: Sustain Amelia with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.

Blessing: Amelia Marie, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ

forever. Amen.

L: Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Let us welcome our new sister in Christ!

C: We welcome you! We promise to walk together on our journey of faith, to participate in God’s mission

of love and reconciliation for all of creation and to praise God with our whole lives. We are One in Christ!

Amen!

L: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: And also with you.

After sharing the Peace, please be seated.

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