20 Nov BULLETIN – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
WELCOME TO MESSIAH & ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCHES
3 Church Street, Halifax, Pa. 17032
Phone 362-4597
The Reverend Nancy Brody, Pastor
Greta Wright, Music Director
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Christ the King Sunday
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Page 56
ENTRANCE HYMN Crown Him with Many Crowns #170
1 Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne;
hark, how the heav’nly anthem drowns
all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity.
2 Crown him the virgin’s Son,
the God incarnate born,
whose arm those crimson trophies won
which now his brow adorn;
fruit of the mystic rose,
yet of that rose the stem,
the root whence mercy ever flows,
the babe of Bethlehem.
3 Crown him the Lord of love–
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified.
No angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bend their burning eyes
at mysteries so bright.
4 Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save.
His glories now we sing,
who died and rose on high,
who died, eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.
5 Crown him the Lord of peace,
whose pow’r a scepter sways
from pole to pole, that wars may cease,
absorbed in prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
and round his piercèd feet
fair flow’rs of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.
6 Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For thou hast died for me;
thy praise and glory shall not fail
throughout eternity.
APOSTOLIC GREETING Page 57
KYRIE and HYMN OF PRAISE Pages 57-60
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to know you is unending joy. We worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Abide with us, reign in us, and make this world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST READING JEREMIAH 23:1-6
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
PSALM 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea;
though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken; God shall help it at the break of day.
The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake; God speaks, and the earth melts away. I will be exalted among the nations.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come now, regard the works of the Lord, what desolations God has brought upon the earth;
behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
I will be exalted among the nations.
SECOND READING COLOSSIANS 1:11-20
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Page 62
GOSPEL LUKE 23:33-43
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. ⟦Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”⟧ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
SERMON
HYMN of the DAY O Sacred Head, Now Wounded #117
1 O sacred head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown;
O sacred head, what glory,
what bliss till now was thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call thee mine.
2 How art thou pale with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn;
how does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!
Thy grief and bitter passion
were all for sinners’ gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
3 What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever,
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love to thee.
4 Lord, be my consolation;
shield me when I must die;
remind me of thy passion
when my last hour draws nigh.
These eyes, new faith receiving,
from thee shall never move;
for he who dies believing
dies safely in thy love.
PROFESSION of FAITH/NICENE CREED Page 64
PRAYERS of INTERCESSION
United with saints and sinners across time and place, we pray for our shared world. A brief silence.
We pray for your church. Embolden victims and guilty ones to self-awareness. Make denominations and faith-based organizations creative, collaborative and able to advocate through ministries. Increase forgiveness and our work for the sake of the gospel. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for the earth. Protect living matter and the elements from pollution and destruction. Help humans not be foolish as they alter and manipulate substances and science for their own means. Through creation, guide us in careful stewardship of waters, plant life, and animals. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for the nations. Instill in every leader and every constituent, a heart and desire for justice and peace that speaks out and acts to secure safety, belonging, power and importance for all. Support the work of local and international collaborations that seek the goals of health and joy for all. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for all who are undermined or oppressed, especially those on our prayer list. Amplify the voices of the unheard and break apart stubborn systems that create dominance or harm. Bring about your righteousness. Fill all with a generous spirit and your redeeming light. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for this assembly. Guide our leaders and members in discernment. Inspire all to serve. Nurture those in new roles with fresh ideas. Give our congregations a spirit of discipleship. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We give thanks for all who have died in the faith or who face death asking questions. Console us who mourn and comfort us with the beautiful promise of life in your kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Accept these prayers, gracious almighty and humble God, Christ the King. So much is known only to you, help us identify and recognize each other and pray accordingly to you and through you, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY Page 75
LORD’S PRAYER
BENEDICTION Page 74
CLOSING HYMN Lead On, O King Eternal #495
1 Lead on, O King eternal!
The day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents will be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
2 Lead on, O King eternal,
till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace;
for not with swords loud clashing,
nor roll of stirring drums,
but deeds of love and mercy
the heav’nly kingdom comes.
3 Lead on, O King eternal:
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where’er your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o’er us;
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might!
DISMISSAL Page 74
POSTLUDE
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission. Prayers adapted from Sundays and Seasons, copyright © 2019, Augsburg Fortress. Used with permission. Psalm readings from Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright © 1978. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual Subscription #SB160715 Other quotations from Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, National Council of Churches in Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Altar flowers at Messiah have been presented by Dave and Jo Miller in memory of Marc.
HOLIDAY CONCERT TODAY
The musical talents of Brad Crum and Shelby Nestler and the Make Mine Country Band will again be featured in concert today at 2 PM at the Halifax Ambulance Building. The concert will include Christmas and country music and an Elvis tribute. Refreshments will also be available.
Tickets for this event are general admission only and priced: $12 for ages 13 and up; $8 for ages 5 through 12; free for those under 5.
Proceeds benefit Messiah Lutheran Church and ministries. Contact Dianna Reed at 717-692-5317 or Judy Shomper at717-896-8547 for more information or to purchase advance tickets.
WREATHS FOR SALE
Cub Scout pack 156 is again selling Christmas wreaths this year. Orders are due November 20th. Order forms are on the front pews of each church.
The Traditional wreath is approximately 24 inches in diameter. Classic Door Charm is approximately 28 inches tall.
New this year is the Window Swag with bow. This is 36 inches in length. And lastly, they have a Seasonal cross which is nearly 24 inches tall.
Prices vary depending or preference and with or without a bow on some designs. Please look over the order forms to help out our local Cub Scout Pack 156.
PASTOR’S ABSENCE
Pastor Brody will be on vacation from Tuesday, November 22nd until Sunday, December 4th. Pastor Tom Bruner will cover emergency pastoral care in the event a member and/or family experiences emergency/ life threatening hospitalization or death.
Pastor Bruner may be reached at (717) 362-9519 during the day (except Saturday) or at (717) 362-7895 after hours and Saturdays. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS
A congregation member has a personal/family connection to Florida. Rev. Tammy Snyder is Executive Coordinator of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for the state of Florida and Caribbean Islands. CBF stays in communities long after others have left as they seek out marginalized communities to assist. They look for communities who need help, but don’t make the headline news or have adequate resources. Check out https://floridacbf.org or https://www. floridacbf.org/donate.
You can also mail a check payable to CBF Florida and mail it to:
CBF Florida
P.O. Box 2556
Lakeland, Florida 33806
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
HYMNALS AVAILABLE: HELP YOURSELF!
Starting in December hymn lyrics will no longer appear along with the bulletin in weekly emails. Please take the opportunity now to pick up your own copy of the green book, aka The Lutheran Book of Worship, for use at home. Copies are still available on the front pew at either church, if needed.
How would you like to follow the liturgy and turn pages in the green book while watching from home? See lyrics and read music to your favorite hymns during worship. Lutheran Books of Worship have been placed in the front of each church for you to own. Take as many as you need so there’ll be no reason not to fully participate as you watch online. Some small red Sunday school hymnals are also available. Please use and enjoy.
SOUP AND SUCH
Soup & Such will be taking a break through the holiday season and will return in February.
JOINT SERVICES
**December 24th, 7:30PM at St. Peter**
**December 25th, 10AM at Messiah**
Please note the exact time joint service will begin according to the date. On 12/25, a time of fellowship featuring beverages and snacks will follow. Hope to see you there!
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our website: halifaxmessiah.church for weekly updates and archived materials, bulletins with hymn lyrics, articles, descriptions of various programs and ministries, newsletters, recorded services, text versions of sermons, a monthly calendar, and way to give online. Our 10am (and joint services) are available every week as a live streamed event via Facebook and available later in the day on YouTube. Please let us know if you watch online, have any questions, or would like to meet with the pastor in person.
We give thanks and feel blessed that you have chosen to worship with us today.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER
20 DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
21 Upper Dauphin Conference Meeting
7 PM Zion Lutheran Church Millersburg
7 PM Dart Ball
22 Pastor Brody Out of the Office until 12/4
22 7 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
24 Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday
LET US PRAY
Prayer knits the waiting, expectant community together. It isn’t just for those being prayed for. It’s an act of faith where others are lifted up and entrusted to God.
Please email concerns and/or requests including your name and theirs, contact information, and a few specifics to: elsiebbrody@gmail.com or text 443-974-5558. Thank you.