Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Horeb

A family in faith, reaching out to share God's love with all people

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Celebrate the Christmas season!

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This photo is from Christmas Eve worship at ELC.  It was great to see so many extended families and friends gather for candlelight and Christmas carols!!

We return to regular worship schedule this weekend  –  Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

                                                  Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
                                    10:30 a.m. Contemporary worship
                                                         No Sunday School this week.

Remember your year-end gifts to ELC help us to make our commitments for 2012 and begin 2013 on sound footing.

This week’s worship will follow the story of the days after Christmas in the Second Chapter of Luke, verses 21-38


Key Verses: “Simeon took [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.” Luke 2:28-31

Time: 4 B.C.E.

Since Last Week: When Luke told an account of an event, he often paired it with a similar event using a person of the opposite gender. Before the angel proclaimed Jesus’ birth to Mary, an angel proclaimed the birth of John to Zechariah, John’s father. Mary’s song of praise was mirrored by Zechariah’s song of praise. The birth stories of John and Jesus both included the 8th day circumcision, an important naming, a miracle, and a proclamation.

Background: Luke was careful to identify the main characters as devout Jews. According to tradition, after the ritual circumcision, Jesus, Mary’s firstborn, was to be dedicated to God in the temple. The devout man, Simeon, had been guided by the Spirit to enter the temple and watch for the one who was the Lord’s Messiah. When Mary entered with Jesus, Simeon proclaimed Jesus was the one who had been revealed by the Spirit. In keeping with Luke’s pattern of pairing, the prophet Anna also recognized Jesus as the one to redeem Jerusalem.

Community: What’s the meaning of your name? Do you have a title or an identity? How does your name, title, or identity shape how behave in the world? How do they shape how people treat you?

At Home: How can you honor your family name? How can your name honor you?

Read This Week:
Monday: Purification of a Woman after Childbirth, Leviticus 12:1-8
Tuesday: The Law Concerning Dedication of Firstborns, Exodus 13:1-16
Wednesday: Levites Become Substitutes for Firstborns, Numbers 3:40-51
Thursday: God’s Servant, Isaiah 42:1-9
Friday: The Boy Jesus Is Found in the Temple, Luke 2:39-52
Saturday: Laws Concerning Festivals, Exodus 23:10-17

Next Week: John Baptizes Crowds, Luke 3:1-22

This Weekend – Third Sunday of Advent – December 15 – 16, 2012

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We draw closer to Christmas this 3rd Sunday of Advent, and we have a great weekend of activities planned for the whole community.

Saturday morning, our youth group will be have krumkake orders ready to pick up, along with fresh lefse and other baked goods beginning from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Sunday School Christmas program rehearsal will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday evening worship with Holy Communion will be in the chapel at 5:00 p.m.


Sunday morning – Traditional Worship with Holy communion at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School, Adult Bible Study and fellowship at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School Program will be at our 10:30 worship time.


Sunday Evening – 5:00 p.m. Christmas at ELC  followed by Chili Supper

Christmas at ELC, Sunday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m.

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Don’t forget our “Christmas at ELC” concert at 5:00 p.m. this Sunday to benefit the Mt. Horeb Area Food Pantry.  A free-will offering will help provide Christmas baskets for families in our area.
The Concert will include many groups and musicians from our congregation, along with audience sing-alongs for everyone.

Following the concert, the Men of the Church will provide a chili supper in the fellowship hall.

Please plan to join us for this wonderful evening, and be sure to invite your friends and neighbors.

December 8th & 9th, 2012 “Return to the Lord, Your God”

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Worship this weekend:  5:00 pm. Saturday in Chapel

8:30 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship

10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
Joel 2:12-13, 28-29

Key Verses: “Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” Joel 2:13

Time: About 430 B.C.E.

Since Last Week: Having been freed from Babylonian exile by the Persians, the Israelites returned home and began to rebuild. Ezra and Nehemiah report that during this time the temple was rebuilt, the Torah was reestablished as the law and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt.

Background: Joel contains strong imagery to paint a picture of Israel’s destruction and renewal. Many of these images call to mind the saving work of God in leading the people out of slavery in Egypt during the time of Moses. God uses the natural world to exercise power and promise for the people.

During Advent we reflect on the emptiness of the world and anticipate the coming of the Christ child. Joel’s reading is relevant for us today, as a call to repentance and renewal of faith and action.

Community: How is your community of faith preparing for Christmas? What difference will your preparations make in the larger community around you? What can you do to bring hope and renewal to people in need?

At Home: What in your life requires repentance and renewal? Who in your life needs hope? How can you bring hope to those who need it?

Read This Week:
Monday: End of Babylonian Captivity, Ezra 1:1-11
Tuesday: Lament over the Ruined Country, Joel 1:1-12
Wednesday: Call to Repentance and God’s Response, Joel 1:13-20 (or 1:13-2:32)
Thursday: Dedication of the Temple, Ezra 6:13-22
Friday: Ezra Restores Torah as Law, Nehemiah 8:1-12
Saturday: Dedication of Jerusalem’s Wall, Nehemiah 12:27-43 (or 12:27-47)

Next Week: Isaiah Announces Liberty, Isaiah 61:1-11

This Weekend at ELC

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Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, four Sundays of preparation and joyful anticipation of the birth of Jesus.

Sunday we begin to light our Advent wreath.  If you, or your family, would like to help out with the reading for the lighting of the candles, please let me know.

Worship this weekend – Saturday 5;00 p.m. – Worship in the chapel with Holy Communion
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship with Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Coffee and Fellowship
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion

A prayer for the season:

AN ADVENT PRAYER

Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” Amen.

– Henry Nouwen, 2001.

 

 

Worship Services

Welcome to Worship!

Saturday: 5:00 pm Worship in small chapel – modified traditional format.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. Worship with a blend of traditional and contemporary music

Sunday School:  10:15 a.m.

Live worship will be streamed at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook. Recordings will be available on Facebook,  YouTube and on the Sermon Archive page.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mount Horeb (ELCA)
315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, WI  53572
elc@mhtc.net

A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

We welcome all to ELC! Everyone. Without exception. Regardless of race,
ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, faith traditions, physical or mental abilities, financial resources, family status, or personal struggles. We are committed to being an anti-racist community. By the power of the Holy Spirit we will work to extend God’s grace, love, justice, and dignity. You belong here. Your story and your life are valuable. In Christ’s love, we welcome you.