Serving on Sunday, Jan. 4

8:00 AM

Usher: Ann Cooper
Usher: Nan Wilson

Readings: Cards
Prayers of the People: Cards

Chalice: Kathy Van Orden
Chalice: Janet Murry

10:00 AM

Ushers: Rob and Laurie Nelson

1st Reading: Sandie Nelson
Psalm: Jan Moore
2nd Reading: Andy Tomat
Prayers of the People: Gail Connolly

Chalice: Michelle Miyatake
Chalice: Susan Mulledy-deFrank

First Reading

Jeremiah 31:7-14

Thus says the LORD:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
"Save, O LORD, your people,
the remnant of Israel."
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame, those with child and
those in labor, together;
a great company, they shall return here.
With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back,
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;
for I have become a father to Israel,
and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him,
and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."
For the LORD has ransomed Jacob,
and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
and they shall never languish again.
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
says the LORD.

Psalm 84
1
How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD;my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2
The sparrow has found her a houseand the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,my King and my God.
3
Happy are they who dwell in your house! *they will always be praising you.
4
Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.
5
Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6
They will climb from height to height, *and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
7
LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *hearken, O God of Jacob.
8
Behold our defender, O God; *and look upon the face of your Anointed.
9
For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, *and to stand at the threshold of the house of my Godthan to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
10
For the LORD God is both sun and shield; *he will give grace and glory;
11
No good thing will the LORD withhold *from those who walk with integrity.
12
O LORD of hosts, *happy are they who put their trust in you!

Second Reading

Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.

The Gospel

The + Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Now the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

Serving on Sunday, December 28, 2008

8:00am

Usher-Dar Hoover
Usher-Kathy Van Orden

Chalice-Kathy Van Orden
Chalice-Needed

10:00am

Usher-Rob Nelson
Usher-Laurie Nelson

1st Reading-Andy Tomat
Psalm-Jan Moore
2nd Reading-Jeanne Kipp
Prayers-Sandie Nelson

Chalice-Bob Nelson
Chalice-Susan Mulledy DeFrank

First Reading Isaiah 61:10-62:3

A reading from the prophet Isaiah.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 147:13-21

Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; * praise your God, O Zion;

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; * he has blessed your children within you.

He has established peace on your borders; * he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

He sends out his command to the earth, * and his word runs very swiftly.

He gives snow like wool; * he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; * who can stand against his cold?

He sends forth his word and melts them; * he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.

He declares his word to Jacob, * his statutes and his judgments to Israel.

He has not done so to any other nation; * to them he has not revealed his judgments.Hallelujah!

Praise the Creator’s Wisdom, the image of God’s glory, the Word that was made incarnate by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Second Reading Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7

A reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

The Gospel John 1:1-18

The + Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Serving on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008

5:00pm

Usher-Bob Nelson
Usher-Sandie Nelson
Chalice-Michelle Miyatake-Kurama
Chalice-Rob Nelson

10:00pm

Usher -Kathy Van Orden
Usher-Dar Hoover
1st reading-Andy Tomat
Psalm-Susan Mulledy De Frank
2nd Reading-Gail Connolly
Prayers-Sandie Nelson
Chalice-Helena Chan
Chalice- Bob Nelson

Serving on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008

10:00am

Usher-Janet Murry
Usher- Needed
Chalice-Gwen Fleisher
Chalice-Needed

First Reading

A reading from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 96
Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples.

For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.

As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts.

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him.

Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Second Reading

A reading from Titus. Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Luke 2:1-14

The + Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Serving on Sunday, December 21, 2008

8:00

Usher- Gail Brierley
Usher- Robert Brierley

Chalice-Janet Murray
Chalice-Dar Hoover

10:00

Usher-Elizabeth Nelson
Usher-William Nelson

1st Reading-Miles Dawson
Psalm-Christopher Dedo
2nd Reading- Riley Dawson
Prayers-Nicole Compton

Chalice-Gail Connolly
Chalice-Andy Tomat

First Reading

A reading from the prophet Samuel. 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you."

But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle.

Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies.

Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Canticle 15
The Song of Mary Magnificat Luke 1:46-55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.


Second Reading

A reading from Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. Romans 16:25-27

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Luke 1:26-38

The + Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.


Prayers of the People Form VI
The Leader and People pray responsively
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
We pray for all who serve in our armed forces at home and abroad especially Andrew and Joshua. Are there others?
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For Katharine, our Presiding Bishop, and Jon, our Bishop; and for all bishops, priests, deacons and laity who minister in your name;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Let us pray for those who are ill and known to us or otherwise in need of God’s comfort and grace especially Elmer, Wally & Lizz, Bruce, Kevin, Peggy, Turner, Kim, Ed, Jeffrey-Robert, Dan, Tim, Luanne, Cliff, Bill & Lucy, Joanie, Joan, Angie, Margaret, Tim and Mary Maude, the Von Ruden family, David, Roderick, Royce, Shanaz, Betty, Joan, Paul, Sue, Vic, Sandie, Sarah, Dave and the Franz family, David, John, Jean, Jo, Larry, George & Linda, Martin, and Dominic. Are there others?
The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
We especially remember today Larry and Jody who are celebrating birthdays this week. Are there others?
The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Silence may be kept.
Leader and People
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

December 14, 2008

8:00

Usher-Kathy Van Orden
Usher-Open

Chalice-Jan Murray
Chalice-Dar Hoover

10:00

Usher-Susan Mulledy De Frank
Usher-Jeanne Kipp

1st Reading-Rob Nelson
Psalm-Dawn Switzer
2nd Reading-Laurie Nelson
Prayers-Helena Chan

Chalice-Michelle Miyutake
Chalice Gwen Fleischer


First Reading

A reading from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 126
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy.

Then they said among the nations, * "The LORD has done great things for them."

The LORD has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, * like the watercourses of the Negev.

Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Praise God the Father for the gift of his child, Jesus, and for the Holy Spirit who brings us together today. Amen.

Second Reading
A reading from the first letter to the church at Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Gospel John 1:6-8,19-28

The + Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Serving on December 7, 2008

8am
Usher: Needed
Usher: Needed
Chalice: Kathy Van Orden
Chalice: Needed

10am
Usher: Bob Nelson
Usher: Gail Connolly

First Reading: Jeanne Kipp
Psalm: Jan Moore
Second Reading: Helena Chan
Prayers of the People: Chuck Winn

Chalice: Dawn Switzer
Chalice: Sandie Nelson

First Reading

A reading from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak 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. A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every 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. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.

Get 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!" See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

He 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. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.


Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, * you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.

You have forgiven the iniquity of your people * and blotted out all their sins.

I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, * for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.

Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, * that his glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together; * righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth, * and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, * and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness shall go before him, * and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

Praise God the Father for the gift of his child, Jesus, and for the Holy Spirit who brings us together today. Amen.

Second Reading

A reading from Peter’s second letter to the church. 2 Peter 3:8-15a

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Mark 1:1-8

The + Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

"See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: `Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.