November 23, 2025 — 9:00 AM Service

PRELUDE
“Creator of the Stars of Night” (arr. Tim Graf)
Tim Graf

WELCOME

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Josh Eidem, Tim Graf

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
alive in the world,
reviving creation, arriving soon.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God
and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God of mercy,
we confess that we have sinned.
We trust earthly powers and human authority alone.
We grow fearful. We cling to false comforts.
God of might,
we confess that we have sinned.
We have turned away from our neighbors.
We have trusted false promises.
God in our midst,
we confess that we have sinned.
We plead: come to us.
Bring your mercy to birth in us.
A righteous branch springs forth:
it is Christ the Lord, our Savior,
in whom we have forgiveness, life, and mercy.
By the power of the Holy Spirit,
receive the grace and forgiveness of God
through ☩ Christ Jesus,
whose day draws near.
Amen.

OPENING HYMN
“On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” (St. 1-3, 5)
ELW # 249

PRAYER OF THE DAY
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.

SOLO
“Before the paling of the stars” (Cecilia McDowall)
Josh Eidem, Tim Graf, Anna Vazquez

READINGS
Psalm 91:1-6

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the hunter and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and defense. You will not fear the terror of the night or the arrow that flies by day or the pestilence that stalks in darkness or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Luke 3:15-16

As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

SERMON
“Refuge”
Pastor Matthew

PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

OFFERING OF MUSIC
“Fantasia on Greensleeves” (Ralph Vaughan Williams)
Anna Vazquez, Tim Graf

OFFERING PRAYER
Gracious Lord,
As we wait for you in desert places, we offer these gifts with glad and expectant hearts. As you come to dwell among us, bless these gifts that are given from the abundant store of all that we have first received from you. Make us a people who celebrate this joyous season with acts of kindness and charity that tell of your love. Amen.

BEFORE YOU GO

BENEDICTION

HYMN
“People, Look East”
ELW # 248

SENDING
Go now in peace. Prepare the way for Emmanuel.
Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE
Tim Graf

Musicians for Today’s Worship

Tim Graf (Director of Worship & Music)
Anna Vazquez
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:

Prayers for Mike Howes (Kris) and family on the death of his father, Michael Howes
Prayers for Penny Meier and family on the death today of her mother, Mavis
Ramona Larson and family on the death of her husband, Douglas 
Joanne Tanke and family after the death of her husband, Gordon  
Prayers for Michelle (Ryan) and family on the death of her father, Dale Cylkowski

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:

Sharon Peterson and family
Debbie West 
Johnny and Reba Khodai
Dave Lorence 
Joyce Harstad 
Cathy Schweitzer 
Elva Lareau, Paul Lareau’s mother 
Dave and Linda King’s son, Jonathan  
Dave Anderson 
Scott Elsass 
Joey Johnk

Long Term Prayers:

Collin Buzzel 
Crosby Urlick 
Hugo Herman 
Nicholas Priest 
Madelyn Astry 
Paul Skoog’s Brother, Dan 
Jim Hornbacher 
Julie Bergquist 
John Rostad 
Kathy Hoagland 
Ron Wolfbauer 
For the people of Haiti, who are 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.

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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!

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