THE THIRD
SUNDAY IN
ADVENT
December 13, 2020
8:30 AM
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FIRST CHURCH WELCOMES YOU
We extend a warm welcome to all who are joining us online today and hope you will worship with our community of faith again. If you would like to know more
about our ministry in downtown and metropolitan Pittsburgh, please visit our website at www.flcpittsburgh.org, or our Facebook page
at www.facebook.com/firstlutheranchurchpittsburgh.
Our liturgy incorporates historic practices of the Western Christian tradition, aspects of which may be unfamiliar to some. We hope this bulletin will serve to welcome our visitors and be an aid to those who seek to participate in our worship of God.
HOLY COMMUNION is offered by invitation of the Lord himself. All baptized believers who trust that Christ is present in the Eucharist, regardless of denomination, are invited to receive the Blessed Sacrament.
To receive the Sacrament, you may come to the church building to receive walk-up or drive-up Communion from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. A pastor will be on duty in the courtyard to offer prayers with you and distribute the Sacrament. Communion will be offered only under the form of bread at this time, but we may be assured that in so doing, we receive the whole Christ.
If you are in need of a gluten free wafer, please ask the pastor.
That we may better protect one another, masks are required when you are in the building or on the courtyard, except when receiving the Sacrament. Masks should be closely fitted and must cover the mouth and nose. Please observe recommended social distancing guidelines when you are waiting to receive communion.
You may mail your offerings to the church, bring them when you come to outdoor distribution,
or click below to donate electronically via PayPal.
ALTAR FLOWERS
CENTERPIECE Given in memory of Paul S. Hoffman by Christine Hoffman.
SANCTUARY & VOTIVE LAMPS
November 23-December 6
SANCTUARY LAMP Burns in memory of departed loved ones, given by Lorraine Beers.
VOTIVE LAMP Burns in memory of Alma Marie Bertollini, given by Mr. and Mrs. George C. Weimer.
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THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
G A U D E T E S U N D A Y December 13, 2020—8:30 AM
The people prepare for worship by silently praying the following prayer:
O Lord, born of the Virgin, do not look upon my sins, but cleanse my heart, and make it a temple for your most pure Body and precious Blood. Do not cast
me away from your presence, for you are merciful without limit. Amen
(TROPARIONFOR PREPARATION, LITURGYOF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM)
THE INVOCATION
P In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen
THE CONFESSION
P Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbors.
The people kneel or stand. A brief time is provided for self-examination.
P Most merciful God,
C we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen
PRELUDE Das Magnificat Mariae Johann Pachelbel
P Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive (+) you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
C Amen
The people stand.
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
L Let us cast off the works of darkness,
C and let us put on the armor of light. [Rom. 13:12]
The first candle is lighted.
L Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.
C To prepare the way for my coming.
The second candle is lighted.
L The Lord will bring light to the things now hidden in darkness
C and will disclose the purposes of the heart.
The third candle is lighted.
P O Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, rise in our hearts and enlighten us with the brightness of your coming, that we who rejoice in the sure word of your promise, may not be put to shame at your coming in glory; through your mercy, O our God, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and govern all things now and evermore.
C Amen [Mozarabic Rite]
The people stand as the bells peal.
THE APOSTOLIC GREETING
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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KYRIE (Spoken)
A In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C Amen
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
P Let us pray.
Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen
The people are seated.
THE FIRST LESSON—Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
1The 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 pris-oners; 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance
of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to 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
4They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former
devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 8For 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. 9Their 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. 10I 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 righteous-ness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
1For 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. L The Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
THE PSALMODY—Magnificat setting by Fr. James Chepponis
Verses sung by the Soloist / Refrain sung by All.
For he has favored his lowly one, all men shall call me blessed.
The almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. REFRAIN
He favors those who fear his name, in every generation. He has shown
the might and strength of his arm, and scattered the proud of heart. REFRAIN
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He has cast the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with all good gifts, and sent the rich away. REFRAIN
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy.
He promised his mercy to Abraham and his children forevermore. REFRAIN THE SECOND LESSON—1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do
not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is
good; 22abstain from every form of evil.
23May 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. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
L The Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
The people stand.
THE VERSE Sung by Soloist A. Bierman / C. Pock
Alleluia! I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you. Alleluia!
THE HOLY GOSPEL—Saint John 1:6-8, 19-28
P The Holy Gospel according to Saint John, the first chapter.
C Glory to you, O Lord.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness
to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not
the light, but he came to testify to the light.
19This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites
from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20He confessed and did not deny it,
but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21And they asked him, “What then? Are
you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered,
“No.” 22Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those
who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23He said,
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ” as the prophet Isaiah said.
24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, “Why then are
you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26John
answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the
thong of his sandal.” 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John
was baptizing.
P The Gospel of the Lord.
C Praise to you, O Christ.
The people are seated.
THE SERMON The Rev. Brian A. Evans
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THE NICENE CREED
C We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,
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THE PRAYERS
A Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
You may kneel or sit. A brief time for reflection is provided.
A ...Lord, in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
THE PEACE
P The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C And also with you.
Thank you for supporting the ministry we share together. You may mail your offerings to the church,
bring them when you come to outdoor distribution, or click below to donate electronically via PayPal.
CLICK HERE The people stand.
THE OFFERTORY PRAYER
A Let us pray. Merciful Father,
C we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us—our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
CANTICLE The Lord Says, ‘I Will Make a Covenant’ John W. Becker
SURSUM CORDA
THE PREFACE
P It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everliving God. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes again to judge the world in righteousness.
And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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SANCTUS
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
P Holy God, gracious Father, you are the Beginning and the End, our Salvation and our Hope. We thank and praise you for creating a world of beauty and order.
When we brought chaos, cruelty, and despair into your world, you sent the prophets to proclaim your justice and mercy; and at the end of the ages, you sent your Son Jesus to bring us your love and to heal the suffering world.
P In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
P Again, after supper, he took the cup,
gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
C Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
P Remembering, therefore, his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming again in righteousness and peace to share with us the great and promised feast.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Send now your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this bread and wine: strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and give birth to the justice and joy of your Son, that we who receive the Lord's body and blood may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.
C Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
P Join our prayers with those of your saints in every time and place, and unite them with the ceaseless petitions of our great high priest until he comes as victorious Lord of all.
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THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE FRACTION
P When we eat this bread, we share the body of Christ. When we drink this cup, we share the blood of Christ.
C Reveal yourself to us, O Lord, in the breaking of bread, as once you revealed yourself to your disciples.
P The gifts of God for the people of God. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
The people sit.
AGNUS DEI
THE POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
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THE POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
A Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
THE BLESSING
Liturgy from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #46420. Hymns from The Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright 1978 and Evangelical Lutheran Worship,
copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Hymns reprinted by permission under OneLicense #A-722888.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
THE DISMISSAL
A Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
To receive the Sacrament, you may come to the church building to receive walk-up or drive-up Communion from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. A pastor will be on duty in the courtyard to offer prayers with you and distribute the Sacrament. Communion will be offered only under the form of bread at this time, but we may be assured that in so doing, we receive the whole Christ. If you are in need of a gluten free wafer, please ask the pastor.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ESTIMATE OF GIVING FORMS Commitment Sunday was December 6. Thank
you to all who have mailed in your forms!We still gratefully receive pledges of financial support for the ministry of the parish in the coming year. Please mail/email your
completed Estimate of Giving forms for 2021 or bring them to the church, if you come for Distribution of the Sacrament on the courtyard. Thank you!
ATTENTION MEMBERS: OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2021 will be mailed
to your homes this year.
THE DAYTIME BOOK CLUB will be meeting on Thursday, January 14, at 12:00 PM, to discuss the book The Philosopher’s Pupil by Iris Murdoch. Until further
notice, all upcoming meetings will be virtual through Zoom. Please contact Anne
Harmon if you would like to attend at [email protected]. VIRTUAL YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 18: The Youth
Ministry Committee is hosting a Zoom party for all confirmation and high school youth on December 18 at 7:00 PM! We will gather to celebrate the holiday season, play games, and share favorite Christmas traditions. Zoom information to come.
EVENING BOOK CLUB: The Evening Book Club group will next meet on
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 6:00 PM and we will discuss How to Stop Time by Matt Haig. We will be meeting by Zoom, all are welcome. RSVP at
ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL: RACE, CULTURE, AND ETHNICITY DISCUSSION: On Monday, January 4 at 6:30 PM, our group will discuss the
first two chapters of The Color of Compromise: the Truth About the American Church's
Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby. For each chapter there are also 20 minute videos
available on Amazon Prime. Please contact Pastor McCurry in order to receive the Zoom connection information ([email protected]) or if you're interested in participating but cannot attend on Monday evenings.
SAVE THE DATE: Mark your calendars for Ice Fest 2021: January 29-30. More
ADVENT VESPERS: Through the four weeks of Advent, First Lutheran Church will
offer Vespers from Home each Wednesday evening at 4:00 PM (please note
change in time) and may be watched anytime after, beginning on December 2,
with meditations given by Pastors Evans and McCurry, Vicar Siebert, and one of our seminarians, W. Roger Randolph, III. Please join us each week on our Youtube channel or Facebook page.
DESIGNATED OFFERINGS: THE ADVENT OFFERING has been designated
for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, which works in partnership with community-based legal and social service providers nationwide to support and advocate for migrants and refugees. Your donation helps fund refugee resettlement, foster care services, family reunification services, migrant and refugee leadership development programs, and services to recently arrived migrants. Please use the ADVENT envelopes in your offering envelope box, or, make your check payable to "First Lutheran Church" and mark it “ADVENT.”
2021 LITURGICAL CALENDARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for $2.00 by
contacting Christine at [email protected] or 412-471-8125 to order one. Please send a check in the mail made out to the church, with Liturgical Calendar in the memo line. We are happy to mail them to you. Thank you.
2020 and 2021 FLOWER and SANCTUARY/VOTIVE LAMP NOTEBOOKS
are available for those who wish to make a donation. Floral arrangements and candles can be donated in honor of a living person or in memory of someone who has died, in celebration of an anniversary or other milestone, or in thanksgiving for friends or family, which is acknowledged in the bulletin. The cost for flowers is $25 per arrangement. The cost for the 14 day candles used in the sanctuary/votive lamps is $7.50. Please contact Christine at 412-471-8125 or [email protected] to sign up.
WALK-IN MINISTRY: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral completes a week of walk-in
ministry today. Smithfield United Church of Christ will be on duty beginning December 14. Those seeking crisis counseling may be directed accordingly.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR DONATIONS TO THE WALK-IN
PANTRY! We have restocked the pantry and have plenty of hats and gloves to give
away this winter. We can once again take a pause in donations. Thank you again for your support of this vital ministry! Our next week of service begins December 21.
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SERVING THIS MORNING
Presiding Minister / Lector The Rev. Jennifer Peters McCurry
Assisting Minister / Preacher The Rev. Brian A. Evans
Tenor Soloist Mr. André Bierman
Cantor Sr. Cynthia A. Pock, n/OLF, AAGO
TODAY
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT, DECEMBER 13
Gaudete Sunday, Commemoration of Lucy (d. 304), Martyr
8:30 AM Holy Communion (Livestreamed on YouTube & Facebook)
9:30 AM Outdoor Distribution of the Sacrament (walk/drive-up, through 11:00 AM)
2:00 PM High School Class (Zoom)
You may mail your offerings to the church, bring them when you come to outdoor distribution,
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 John of the Cross (d. 1591), Renewer of the Church
12:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting at First Church 6:00 PM Social Ministry Committee Meeting (Zoom)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
1:00 PM Staff Meeting (Zoom)
4:00 PM Advent Vespers at Home (Pre-Recorded on YouTube)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT, DECEMBER 20
8:30 AM Holy Communion (Livestreamed on YouTube & Facebook)
9:30 AM Outdoor Distribution of the Sacrament (walk/drive-up, through 11:00 AM)
24 STAFF
The Rev. Brian A. Evans, STS, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Jennifer Peters McCurry, Associate Pastor The Rev. Daniel E. Hall, MD, Assisting Episcopal Priest Vicar Halle Siebert, Pastoral Assistant
Sr. Cynthia A. Pock, n/OLF, AAGO, Cantor Mr. André Bierman, Tenor Soloist
Mrs. Suanne O’Dell, Financial Secretary
Ms. Christine G. Hoffmann, Admin. Assistant to Pastoral Staff Mr. Norman Brozell, Building Manager
Mr. Nicholas Scott Sharer, Communications Coordinator Ms. Ellen Gross, Music Assistant
PASTORS-IN-RESIDENCE
The Rev. Brian O. Bennett, Lutheran University Center The Rev. Canon Natalie L. G. Hall, Episcopal Diocese The Rev. S. Cyril Hurnyak
The Rev. Leonard J. Larsen The Rev. Caroline M. Mendis The Rev. Christine Rotella The Rev. Martin M. Roth The Rev. Robert W. Strobel MISSIONARIES
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Truscott, Singapore The Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson & Dr. Andrew L. Wilson, Japan
ORGAN ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Dr. Ann Labounsky Steele
SCHEDULE Sunday Worship 8:30 AM Holy Communion Livestreamed Online only 9:30 AM-
11:00 AM Walk/Drive-Up Distribution of the Sacrament
Weekdays
Noonday liturgies remain suspended until further notice. The church office staff is available for telephone contact, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.