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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
52 Pinewood Road
December 14, 2025
Pastor Leonard Bolick
Kim Ledford, Music Director Judy Parker, Organist

We welcome you to our service today! May God richly bless you as you worship here. If you are visiting for the first time this morning, we ask that you please sign the guest register found in the front entrance of the church.

Gathering music
P: Welcome and announcements
Prelude “lo, how a rose e’er blooming” 16th century german carol
(Remain seated during prelude) Rodney Setzer & Judy Parker
GATHERING: We have been gathered by the Holy Spirit.
*(As the music begins, we are invited to stand, facing the procession of the cross.)
*Gathering song:“awake! Awake, and greet the new morn”
elw#242
*greeting
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, X one God,
whose home is heaven and earth,
whose salvation is sure.
Amen.
P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God
and of one another.
(Silence is kept for reflection.)
P: Long-expected God,
we confess that we look to ourselves
for the peace and security only you can provide.
We reach for swords and spears,
reluctant to release our grip on the ways of war.
We become impatient while waiting
and weary of keeping awake.
Free us from self-reliance,
and teach us to live in harmony with our neighbors.
Increase our trust in God’s timing,
and awaken us to your advent among us,
that we may abound in the hope you have promised.
Amen.

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*(Denotes when congregation stands.)
(Bold italicized print denotes when congregation speaks.)

P: God judges us not as we deserve,
but according to God’s own righteousness.
X You are freed and forgiven,
saved by grace,
and ready to welcome the Savior.
Amen

P: *Kyrie

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CANTICLE OF PRAISE

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*PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray….

(The congregation may be seated.)

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
P: The third candle represents JOY, celebrating the coming of Jesus. It is the “SHEPHERDS’CANDLE”.
“light one candle to watch for messiah” elw#240
(Verses 1, 2, and 3)
Children’s christmas pageant ”calamity falls”

Word: God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

First Reading Isaiah 35: 1-10
The prophet describes the return from the Babylonian captivity as a joyous procession to Zion. God’s coming reign will bring a renewal of creation in which health and wholeness will be restored. There is no need for fear, for God is coming to save.
A reading from the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus
2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened;

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6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

second reading james 5: 7-10
In anticipation of the Lord’s coming, Christians are called upon to cultivate patience rather than discontent.
A reading from the fifth chapter of James
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Brothers and sisters, do not grumble

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against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Assisting minister: Psalm 146: 5-10 (Sung 2 x 2; cantor 2, congregation 2)
5 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob | for their help, whose hope is in the | Lord their God; 6 who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that | is in them; who keeps promis- | es forever; 7 who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to | those who hunger. The Lord sets the | captive free. 8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who | are bowed down; the Lord | loves the righteous. 9 The Lord cares | for the stranger; the Lord sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way | of the wicked. 10 The Lord shall | reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. | Hallelujah!

*Gospel Acclamation

P: *Holy Gospel Luke 1: 46 b-55
The Holy Gospel according to first chapter of Luke
Glory to you, O Lord.
46b My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47 my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 you, the Almighty, have done great things for me and holy is your name. 50 You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation. 51 You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, 52 casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. 53 You have filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 You have come to the aid of your servant Israel, to remember the promise of mercy, 55 the promise made to our forebears, to Abraham and his children forever.
Praise to you, O Christ. (The assembly is seated.)

Sermon pastor leonard bolick

*hymn of the day “prepare the royal highway” elw # 264
Elw# 255

P: And now as we respond to God’s Word, we confess our faith through the words of the Apostles Creed:

Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession
Assisting Minister: In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation.
(A brief silence.....we kneel or sit.)
God of power and mercy, we praise you for Jesus and his acts of healing and liberation. Lead us to proclaim the good news from generation to generation, that all may place their hope in you. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

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When lands are parched and dry, bring rain and snow; where wilderness is barren, sow seeds of life. Fill the lands with trees that grow, plants that flower, and creatures that thrive, as nature proclaims the wonder of your works. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When there is injustice or corruption among nations and leaders, root it out. Turn their attention to inequity and the cries of the poor. Instill a deeper sense of compassion and care in all who govern. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When bodies weaken and hearts grow fearful, speak your blessing. In uncertain times, remind us of the promise spoken to our ancestors in faith. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When people are imprisoned or held captive, break the chains and offer release. Strengthen the work of the church in restorative justice, breaking cycles of poverty, and welcoming the immigrant. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
As we await your coming, we give thanks for the faithful who have lived and died in faith. May their boldness of faith inspire our witness and work. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
P: Are there any other intentions?
P: Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.
Amen.

*Sharing of the Peace
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

*Lord's Prayer
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.

Offering/noisy money (You may remain seated.)
(Giving to those in need, is a sign of the giving of our whole selves in grateful response for all God’s gifts.)
Offertory “sheep may safely graze” bach

P *Blessing
May God who comes among us,
Father, X Son, and Holy Spirit,
grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness,
and good news to share today and always.
Amen.
Congregational meeting
Election of council members
Approval of 2026 church budget

Sending: (God blesses us and sends us with gifts of grace in mission to the world.)

*sending song “Christ be ouR light” elw#715

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Go in peace. Keep awake.
Thanks be to God.

Postlude “toccata on “veni emmanuel”
Arr. By denton

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory Barry Cline by Karan Cline

The sanctuary lamp is given to the Glory of God and in honor of My Grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, & Josh by Karan Cline

Sunday Servants December 14th
Assisting Minister................................................................................David Hartmann
Lay Reader....................................................................................Mary Catherine Belk
Ushers ………………...................................................................Dale & Stacie Myers
Greeter...........................................................................................................Lou Perry
Acolyte………………..………….................................................................Leah Isley
Crucifer.....................................................................................................Marc Woodie
Tabulators………………...................................................Marc Woodie & Leah Isley
Altar Guild……..............……...................….........Mary Catherine Belk & Karan Cline
Presenters......................................................................................Ron & Lisa Herman
Children’s Message.................................................................................Katie Hamann

Announcements

There will be a congregational meeting today during the worship service. The congregation will be electing new council members and the budget for 2026 will be presented for approval.

We will again this year be collecting for staff Christmas gifts. There are envelopes and a box for your donations in the narthex. You may donate cash or write a check to Philadelphia Lutheran Church. Be sure to include your offering envelope number on or in the envelope if you would like a credit for tax purposes.

The children’s Christmas pageant, “Calamity Falls” will be presented during the worship service today. You will find an insert of Christmas hymns in your bulletin. You will be asked to join in and sing with the children during the program.

Time and talent sheets were due today. If you have not submitted yours, please do so as soon as possible. The information is needed to plan next year’s Sunday Servants lists and to update any new information for the church directory. You may submit them through Google docs, print out a form that was sent out to your email, or pick up a form at the church and fill in. Forms may be placed in the offering plates.

Advent Schedule
The weekly advent service and meals will continue on Sunday nights. The meal will be at 5:00 p.m. and the service at 5:45 p.m. Sign-up sheets for the remaining Advent meals are on the table in the narthex.
Christmas Eve Service-7:00 p.m.
Christmas Day-No service.
White Gifts-Donations of items for the Care & Share Ministry. You may begin bringing your donations on Sunday, December 7th. A suggested list is on the table in the narthex.
Angel Tree- All angel gifts are due back to the church today. If you still need to bring it to the church, please see Mary Catherine Belk
The poinsettias will be delivered and placed in the sanctuary on Thursday, December 18th. Helpers will be needed to place them in the sanctuary.

Week of December 14th
Sunday 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Worship/Congregational Meeting
5:00 p.m. Advent Meal and Service
Monday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 8:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Amen.

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