Paul encourages the Philippians church to live counter-cultural lives in the middle of Caesar's realm, knowing that Jesus is the true Lord and trusting that he is about to make all things new. The way to do this is to live in the joy of the Lord, live with reasonableness amongst an irrational world, and live without anxiety in the peace of God.
Readings and Sermon: Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from 1 Corinthians 15:20, 54-57
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 85
- Old Testament reading is from Zephaniah 3:14–20
- Epistle reading is from Philippians 4:4–7
- Holy Gospel is from Luke 7:18–28
Songs and Hymns:
- The Advent of Our King
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Text: Charles Coffin, 1676–1749; tr. John Chandler, 1806–76, alt.;
Tune: Aaron Williams, 1731–76;
Text and tune: Public domain. - Arise and Shine! Your Light Has Come!
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Based on the English Carol, Sussex Carol
Words and Arrangement: Joseph M Martin
© 1996 Shawnee Press
Used with permission: One License #728607-A - Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
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Text: Charles Wesley
Tune: Rowland H. Pritchard
Public domain - In The Bleak Midwinter
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Christina Georgina Rossetti, Gustav Theodore Holst
Words and music: Public Domain - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
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Text: Latin c. 12th cent, tr.John Mason Neale
Tune: French, 15th cent
Public domain - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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Text: Charles Wesley
Tune: Felix Mendelssohn
Public domain - God Loves Me Dearly
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Text: August Rische
Tune: German
Public domain
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Nunc Dimittis
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Dec 15:
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- Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Youth Confirmation Meeting: 10:15 AM
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There will be a meeting of all youth confirmation families today, December 15, immediately following worship. Please contact the church office if you have any questions.
- Children's Christmas Program Practice: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Youth Confirmation: 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
- Annual "Christmas at MELHS" Concert: 4 PM
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The Metro East Lutheran High School Music Department invites you to our annual “Christmas at MELHS” concert today, December 15th, at 4 PM in Henschen Alumni Hall! Enjoy performances from our talented Chorale, Ritterchor, String Ensemble, and Concert Band! Plus, join our combined choir for a special rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus! If you can’t attend in person, catch the live stream on our MELHS Fine Arts Facebook Page. Don’t miss out on the dessert reception afterward!
- Wednesday, Dec 18:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Midweek Advent Service: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
- Friday, Dec 20:
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- Jr & Sr High Youth Christmas Party: 6:30 PM to 9 PM
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The Jr & Sr High Youth Christmas Party will be held Friday, December 20 at the Staake home 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
- Sunday, Dec 22:
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- Children's Christmas Program: 9 AM
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Next Sunday, at the beginning of service.
- Christmas Brunch: 10:30 AM
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Next Sunday, after worship.
- Tuesday, Dec 24:
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- Christmas Eve Worship Service: 11:30 PM
- Wednesday, Dec 25:
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- Christmas Day Worship Service: 9:30 AM
- Sunday, Dec 29:
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- Farewell Celebration @ MELHS: 12 PM
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A farewell celebration for Pastor Mueller and his family will be held on Sunday, December 29th at noon at Metro East Lutheran High School and will be catered by Ravenelli’s. Today, December 15, is your last day to RSVP. The sign-up sheet in in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Weber or Tina Enke.
- Saturday, Jan 4:
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- Circle of Friends (LWML): 10 AM to 11:30 AM
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Ladies of St. James… join us for our meeting in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 4th. Our topic will be Your Life is Sacred and we will have a hands-on mission project of making blankets of Love!
- Sunday School Christmas Program
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The Sunday School Christmas Program is scheduled for next Sunday, December 22, at the beginning of worship service. The last practice will be held during Sunday School today.
- Christmas Flowers
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Help St James’ altar look beautiful for Christmas! Order your Christmas Poinsettia In Honor of, or In Memory of your loved one(s). We will list the donations in our Christmas service bulletin. You are welcome to take the poinsettia home after our Christmas Service or leave it for the rest of the season. To order your poinsettia, please complete the form in the narthex no later than today, December 15. Questions? Contact Nic Schatte at nic@stjamesglencarbon.org.
- Saturday Women’s Bible Study – Starts Jan 11
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Saturday Women’s Bible Study begins January 11. We’ll be using a CPH study titled: Waiting: A Bible Study on Patience, Hope and Trust. We’ll meet each Saturday at 10 AM for 9 sessions. (Except the first Saturday of each month when LWML meets.) Let us know if you’ll attend by signing up in the narthex or by texting Tina Barnard at 618-406-1932. Books, fellowship and childcare are free!
- MELHS New Student Application for 2025-2026 School Year
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Metro-East Lutheran High School is now accepting applications for new students for the 2025-2026 school year. Apply online at MELHS Admissions. For more information, email admissions@melhs.org. Apply today for your student to be a part of our growing school community!
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