PRELUDE
“Gather Us In” (arr. Mark Albrecht)
Jodi Edstrom, Tim Graf
WELCOME
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
whose steadfast love is everlasting.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God
and of one another.
God-with-us,
we confess that we have turned away
those seeking shelter,
claiming there is no room when we have plenty.
We have made power and wealth our idols,
while you show us true glory: a baby in a manger.
We have overlooked the shepherds,
expecting good news in prettier packaging.
Too often, we have valued violence
instead of your peace.
Turn us from our ways to your ways.
Grant us the grace to begin again.
Free us from all that keeps us bound,
and forgive our sin,
through Jesus Christ, who gives himself for us.
Amen.
Hear the good news and rejoice!
You are God’s chosen ones,
holy and beloved,
☩ forgiven in Christ,
and freed to respond in joy.
Amen.
OPENING HYMN
“As with Gladness Men of Old” (Words projected) ELW # 302
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you have filled all the earth with the light of your incarnate Word. By your grace empower us to reflect your light in all that we do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
READING
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
“Shining with Clarity”
WELCOMING OF NEW MEMBERS
OFFERING OF MUSIC
“This Little Light of Mine” (arr. Jacqueline Hairston)
Josh Eidem, Tim Graf
OFFERING PRAYER
God of heaven and earth,
from the beginning, you have called forth life,
in which you take delight.
The trees, the fields, and the seas sing for joy.
Bless now these gifts, received from your bounty,
that we may join the chorus of creation
to tell of your salvation from day to day.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
THE LORD’S PRAYER
AGNUS DEI
MUSIC DURING HOLY COMMUNION
“Winter” (Herman Beeftink)
Jodi Edstrom, Tim Graf
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BEFORE YOU GO
BENEDICTION
HYMN
“Rise, Shine You People!” ELW # 665
SENDING
Go now in peace. The Word of God dwells in you richly.
Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
“Gavotte” (X. Scharwenka)
Jodi Edstrom, Tim Graf
The Musicians for Today’s Worship
- Tim Graf (Director of Worship & Music)
- Barb Carroll (Organist)
- Jodi Edstrom
- Josh Eidem
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:
- Chuck Rodman, Paula Charchenko, and Tom Rodman and family on the death of Cindy
- The Boudreau family on the loss of Laura
- Pam Frandle and family on the death of her son, Nicholas Alexander Frandle
- 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:
- Mary Ann Smith
- Larry Macht, James Macht’s brother
- Gladys Olson
- Jim Hornbacher
- Kari Carlson and family for their friend, Becky
- Paul Skoog
Long Term Prayers:
- Carl Nelson
- Sara Goke, daughter of Curt and Jane Goke
- David Olson
- Paul Skoog’s Brother Dan
- 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