December 2, 2018
Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am


Prayer of the Day
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Sermon 

"Christmas Counter-Downer"
Luke 21:25-36
Although Christmas has been in the stores and on the airwaves for what seems like forever, today is the day in the church year that we begin the countdown. Advent is here! The decorating has begun. We will light candles one by one. We are counting down to Christmas, yes, but on this first Sunday of Advent, the countdown starts with what seems like a downer. Roaring waves and shaking heavens! Fear and foreboding! Are we counting down to something fearful? No. On this first Sunday of Advent, we remember that we are not simply waiting for the Christ Child of Bethlehem. We are waiting for his return in glory. And this is nothing to fear; it is our redemption drawing near.

Hymns

In our prayers we remember the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Education hour at 9:45am

Sunday School,  Pre-Confirmation and  Confirmation classes meet in their regular locations.

2018-19 Faith Formation Calendar

Adult Education

“Putting Christ Into Christmas”

All too often, Christmas is a commercial whirlwind of online shopping, crowded stores, and short tempers. Ellie Schnack and Connie Zyer offer some simple, profound and fun ways to remind children and adults alike of the spiritual and Lutheran sides of America's biggest holiday

The Sunday morning Bible study group meets in the conference room.

The Grace Church Library is open and staffed on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for books related to Adult Ed topics as well as many other subjects. The library is also open for self-service during the week.