Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am


Prayer of the Day
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture readings
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, Psalm 80:17-19
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon
"Emmanuel Calling"
Matthew 1:18-25
A king beset by his enemies. A man who has learned his bride-to-be is already pregnant. A Pharisee who persecuted Christians. These three men stand at the center of our readings today. King Ahaz is invited by God to ask for a sign, but he doesn’t trust God to deliver. God promises a sign anyway, a child who will be Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Joseph is told by the angel that Mary’s baby is this Emmanuel, Jesus. And Paul receives a call to turn his life around, preaching the crucifixion of the incarnate God to the Gentiles. Ahaz ignores God’s call. Joseph accepts. Paul lives now to call others. How is God calling you through Christ during this season? It’s an important question, because we — the saints of whom Paul writes — are now bearers of the presence of Jesus to this still-suffering world. We are not God, but we are the flesh and blood signs of God’s incarnate presence today. May we be like Mary, believing and living out the promise.

Hymns

Education hour at 9:45am

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

2019-20 Sunday School, Pre-Confirmation and Confirmation schedule
Adult Ed schedule

Handbell Concert
The Grace School Bell Choir and the Adult Bell Choir present a concert of Christmas Music at 9:45am in Fellowship Hall.

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.