December 19, 2024 — I Won’t Be Home for Christmas

December 19, 2024 — I Won’t Be Home for Christmas

PRELUDE
“Nativity Carol”  (John Rutter)
Tim Graf

WELCOME  

CAROL
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (St. 1, 3-4) ELW # 283

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SOLO
“O Holy Night”
Josh Eidem, Tim Graf

READING
Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

CAROL 
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” ELW # 279

SERMON

OFFERING

OFFERING OF MUSIC 
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (arr. Susan Geschke)
Grace Notes, Vicki Grant (Director)

PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

CAROL
“Silent Night” (Words projected)                                                                                           

BENEDICTION
Almighty God,
who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary,
proclaimed joy through the angels,
sent the shepherds with good news,
and led the magi by a star,
bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh.
Amen.

SENDING
Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
Tim Graf


The Musicians for Today’s Worship

  • Tim Graf (Director of Worship & Music)
  • Vicki Grant (Grace Notes Director)
  • Josh Eidem
  • Grace Notes

Prayers

As a community of faith we are connected through joy, sorrow, worship, and prayer. Please pray for the people listed below.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated!

We ask for God’s loving embrace to hold all those who mourn, especially:

  • Michele, sons Dylan and Isaac on the death of their husband and father, Tom Johnson
  • Pam Frandle and family on the death of her son, Nicholas Alexander Frandle
  • Cathy Schweitzer on the death of her mother, Marilyn Atkinson
  • Stefanie Berg and Family on the death of her uncle, Arvin Olson

Prayers of Mourning:

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Psalm 130:1–2
For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die’. John 11:25–26

As we are praying for all members of the St. Andrew community, this week we pray especially for God’s comfort, healing, protection, and strength to be present with:

  • Laura Boudreau
  • Mary Ann Smith
  • Larry Macht, James Macht’s brother
  • Gladys Olson
  • Jim Hornbacher
  • Kari Carlson and family for their friend, Becky
  • Carol Petersen
  • Paul Skoog

Long Term Prayers:

  • Marilyn Atkinson
  • Carl Nelson
  • Sara Goke, daughter of Curt and Jane Goke
  • David Olson
  • Paul Skoog’s Brother Dan
  • Cindy Rodman
  • Joyce Butler
  • Jim and Racee Hornbacher
  • Julie Bergquist
  • John Rostad
  • Gordon Gilbert
  • Kathy Hoagland
  • Dave & Sherri Anderson’s daughter, Sarah Anderson-Jacobson
  • Ron Wolfbauer
  • Dick Smith
  • Tammi Ziesemann as she continues her cancer treatment
  • For the people of Haiti enduring ongoing political upheaval, severe economic challenges, and gang-related violence.
  • For the people of the Middle East and Ukraine – non-violence and peace.
  • All those in the military serving our country

General Prayers:

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22a
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Names will remain listed until more are added unless otherwise requested. To add a name to the prayer list, click Prayer Requests or contact Pastor Peter Johnson.


See what’s happening at St. Andrew

There’s always something happening here at St. Andrew and we’re so glad to offer ministries and events for people of all ages! Visit our Events Page to see all of our events, and visit our Ministries Page to learn about all of our communities of faith!


The Pastors of St. Andrew

Pastor Peter Johnson

Senior Pastor

Pastor Matthew Ian Fleming

Pastor of Teaching & Young Adults

Pastor Susan Tjornehoj 

Interim Transition Pastor