Confirmation Leadership this Sunday

[Janet Katari]

Dear all,

I think that all of the confirmation students are able to be there this
Sunday. Please let me know if that is not the case.

Here's what we'll be doing this week:

Neal: opening (you read the unbolded parts)

Advent Invocation

All creation holds its breath.
*The time is almost here.*
The heavenly choir of angels waits for its cue to sing.
*Excitement is all around us.*
Prepare your hearts–The grace of God takes on human form.
Good news! Emmanuel, God-with-Us, comes to us.
*We gather to make ready our hearts *

*for the coming of Christ, our hope.*

Max: Prayer of the Day

O Key of David,
true Pastor of all God's people, you open doors that no-one can close, and
close doors that no-one can open: Come now to set the prisoners free, all
those who live in darkness and despair.

*Lord draw near. Draw near and save. Amen.*
Maddie: 1st Lesson (Isaiah 40:1-11)

Lector: A reading from Isaiah:

1Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that
she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. 3A voice
cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in
the desert a highway for our God. 4Every valley shall be lifted up, and
every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain. 5Then the glory of the LORD shall be
revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD
has spoken." 6A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All
people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. 7The
grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades; but the
word of our God will stand forever. 9Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion,
herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem,
herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of
Judah, "Here is your God!" 10See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his
arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11He
will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.



Lector: Word of God, word of life.
     *Thanks
be to God.*

Josie: Intercessory Prayer - you can change the language of this, and add
or take out prayers as you like.

Trusting in the transformative power of God’s loving Spirit, let us pray
for the church, the world, and all in need.

*A brief silence.*

Holy God, you give the law that your people live by it and flourish. Write
your law on the hearts of all who bear your name, and teach us to love your
commandments, that we live as you intend. God of grace,

*hear our prayer.*

Holy God, you plant the earth and water it and bring forth a fruitful
harvest. Send favorable weather, just wages, and the bounty of your
abundance to all who are engaged in the labor of harvest. God of grace,

*hear our prayer.*

Holy God, you watch over the ways of the righteous and judge your people
with fairness. Guide judges, courts, elected officials, and all those
tasked with upholding the law, inspiring them with your wisdom and zeal for
justice. God of grace,

*hear our prayer.*

Holy God, you hold your people in love and surround them with your mercy.
Draw near to all who are in. Be their rest and comfort. God of grace,

*hear our prayer.*

Holy God, you call us to love one another as we love ourselves. Give us the
will and patience to love those who are difficult to love. Bless all the
ministries of this congregation through which we show love for our
neighbors. God of grace,

*hear our prayer.*

Holy God, you have broken the chains of death and daily make all things
new. We give you thanks for the witness of reformers like Martin Luther and
all the saints. We pray that your transformative spirit is at work in us.
God of grace,

*hear our prayer.*

Gracious God, into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in
your unending love and amazing grace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

*Amen.*

Frances: acolyte/crucifer

Thanks, everyone!

Peace,
Janet



Janet Katari (she/her)
Pastor, Christ Church, Lutheran, San Francisco
seniorpastor at christchurchlutheran.org
415-215-1576
Justice, therefore, represents the peace of God. This peace is freedom from
the violence that distorts the human person. It is the elimination, in
other words, of systems, constructs, and all actualities of violence. God's
peace thus requires a radical restructuring of a political, social, and
economic order that is sustained by and thus creates 'crucified classes of
people.' *Kelly Brown Douglas, Stand Your Ground, p. 195*
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