Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
1024 West 6th Street
Williston, North Dakota 58801
701-572-3724
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 14, 2025
9:00 AM
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Today we rejoice in the imminent arrival of the Messiah, the One who comes to lift the weary, strengthen the weak, and answer our waiting with His mercy and power. As our choirs proclaim, He Is Worthy!—may His joy renew our hearts and prepare us for His coming. Our Get Acquainted slips are located at the center aisle of each pew. Please sign your name and pass it down, noting any changes in address, etc.
PRELUDE Celeste Lundblom
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SHARING THE PEACE
INVOCATION AND LIGHTING OF THE
THIRD ADVENT CANDLE (Joy)
Candlelighters: Leo and Barb Kalloch
Pastor:
In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation:
Amen.
Pastor:
Today we light the third candle of Advent—the Candle of Joy—
because the Messiah has come, the Messiah still comes, and the Messiah will come again.
Congregation:
We rejoice in the One who is worthy, who brings sight to the blind, strength to the weary, and good news to the poor.
Pastor:
From the prison cell, John the Baptist asked, “Are You the One who is to come?” And Jesus answered with works of mercy and power. Today, as we gather in worship and song, we confess the same truth: The Messiah has arrived, and He is worthy of our joy.
Congregation:
Strengthen our hearts, O Lord, for Your coming is near. Fill us with joy even as we wait, for You meet us in our sorrows and lift us with Your saving love.
(The third candle is lit.)
Pastor:
Isaiah declares: “The ransomed of the Lord shall return with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.”
Congregation:
Let this joy be ours today, as we hear Your Word, as we welcome Your presence, and as we proclaim with Your Church: He is worthy!
Pastor: Come, Lord Jesus—lighten our darkness, renew our joy,
and prepare our hearts for Your imminent arrival.
Congregation:
Amen. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Pastor:
As the Candle of Joy burns before us, we remember that joy is not something we manufacture—it is something the Messiah brings.
John the Baptist asked, “Are You the One who is to come?” And Jesus answered with deeds of compassion, power, and mercy.
Today, through Scripture and through song, we confess that same truth: He is the One. He is the Messiah. He is worthy.
This morning our choirs will lead us in proclaiming the worthiness of Christ—the Lamb who came in humility, who meets us in our waiting, and who will come again in glory.
Let your hearts be open, your voices ready, and your joy renewed,
as we receive the message of this year’s Christmas Cantata:
“He Is Worthy!”
OPENING HYMN
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” vs. 1, 2 HFG 193
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him, born the king of angels;
Chorus;
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
Chorus:
BELL CHOIR
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”
NARRATION
ADULT CHOIR
“One Small Child”
NARRATION
ADULT AND BELL CHOIRS
“Christmas is Coming”
NARRATION
ADULT CHOIR
“Messiah”
SERMON
“Imminent Arrival of the Messiah: An Honest Question”
Pastor Greg Stenzel
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OFFERING AND OFFERTORY MUSIC
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Flute/Piano Duet
BELL CHOIR
“Go Tell It on the Mountain”
CONGREGATION/PRAISE TEAM
“Revelation Song”
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
Holy, holy is He;
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat.
Chorus:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...is the Lord, God Almighty.
Who was and is and is to come;
With all creation I sing, “Praise to the King of kings”!
You are my everything and I will adore You.
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightening, rolls of thunder;
Blessing and honor, strength and, glory and power be
To You, the only wise King.
Chorus
Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder,
At the mention of Your name;
Jesus, Your name is power, breath and living water,
Such a marvelous mystery.
Chorus
NARRATION
ADULT CHOIR
“Is He Worthy?”
ADULT CHOIR
“Angels We Have Heard on High/Open Up the Heavens”
CLOSING PRAYER
*THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison)
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.
THE BENEDICTION
P: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
THREE-FOLD AMEN
CONGREGATION
“Joy to the World!” HFG 171
Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world! The Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
POSTLUDE
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CANTATA PARTICIPANTS:
Bell Choir:
Heidi Ryen, Todd Thompson, Mason White,
Matthew Johnson, Clif Sundt, Shelly Sundt.
Choir Members:
Tenor: Clif Sundt, Clay Wanner, Bill Thomas
Bass: Doug Nenow, LeRoy Benson, Gary Bickel
Alto: Louraine Phipps, Ilenia Phipps, Heidi Ryen,
Amy Jorgenson
Soprano: Abigail Phipps, Trish Wanner, Tanya Stenzel,
Laura Castro, Carolyn Nenow, Celeste Lundblom,
Mona Craft
Soloists: Ilenia Phipps and Heidi Ryen
Piano/Flute Duet:
Shelly Sundt and Celeste Lundblom
Narrator: Loni Steppler
Praise Team: Clif Sundt, Mona Craft, Heidi Ryen, Celeste
Lundblom
Accompanist and Bell and Adult Choir Director:
Celeste Lundblom
PA; Todd Thompson and Randy Blotsky
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TODAY’S RADIO BROADCAST is given in loving memory of our mother, Edie Erickson and brother, Mark Erickson from the Erickson family.
BIRTHDAY CAKE AND COFFEE is served today at Coffee Fellowship in honor of Heidi Ryen, whose birthday was December 12th. The event was planned and cakes provided by her friends. Happy birthday Heidi!
WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY to Bill Paschke and family on the death of his wife, Sharon, who passed away November 17th in Iowa. The family plans a Celebration of Life service for Sharon sometime in the spring in Williston. May God give strength and comfort to the family at this time.
RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER
ORLC “Lights for Life” Relay for Life Team’s “Christmas Gift” Silent Auction Fundraiser begins today! Check out the variety of Christmas gifts, baskets, etc. in Fellowship Hall and make your bids! The Auction will close on Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 AM.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, entitled “The Birth of Jesus” will be presented at the 9:00 AM worship service next Sunday, December 21st. Coffee and goodies will be served following the service.
Program Practice will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 20th. Pizza will be served following the practice.
FROM THE WOMEN OF LIFE…December Women of LIFE Mission Project is the Mitten Basket. Bring new or slightly used hats, mittens, scarves, gloves and socks for the Salvation Army. The basket is located next to the Narthex Christmas tree.
ATTENDANCE:
November 30 Worship 9:00 AM 81
Worship 11:00 AM 41
Sunday School 10:00 AM No Session
December 7 Worship 9:00 AM 108
Worship 11:00 AM 54
Sunday School 10:00 AM 40
OUR REDEEMER’S PRAYER LIST
Names will remain on the prayer list for THREE weeks to keep our prayer requests current. If the need for prayer continues, please call the office (572-3724) and the name will be put back on.
LeRoy Benson Katie Anderson Gloria Twete
Kim Johnston Janet Albert Amy Heyward
Dale Livdahl David Park Theresa Nygaard
Jaxson Knutson Blair Mitchell Gayle Arnson
Marlene Beyer Chuck McCauley Dorothy Warhol
Travis Hagen Chad Hammer Ron Raymond
Sandy Hampton Sharon Blotsky Bruce Johnson
Gabe Jenson Vern Hendrickson Heidi Ryen
Clint Jacobs Pastor Betty Czubay Alissa Reep
Rhonda Post Sharon Berry Catherine Teggatz
Mabelle Matheson Carson Combs Patricia Wanner
Grae Davis Jeanie Sheldon Tristan Anderson
Laurel Johnson
A church member’s son with bipolar issues
Residents of Bethel Home, Assisted Living and Shut Ins
PRAYING FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
Please remember ORLC members and other family serving in the military: Devin Polson Noah (Peyten) & Jonah Flowe
Blake Toavs
REMEMBER…As in past years, we will again have just the 9:00 AM worship service today and on Sundays, December, 21st and 28th.
LAST CHANCE to sign up for the 11th Annual 7th – 12th Grade Youth Christmas Dinner that will be held Wednesday, December 17th from 6:00 – 8:30 PM. Text Celeste Lundblom (916-893-3772) if you plan to attend – deadline to TODAY!
DON’T FORGET…Two caroling events are planned this holiday season: this Thursday, December 18th, at 2:30 PM at Arbor House and this Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 PM beginning at Golden Estates, then on to Briarwood 2 and Briarwood 1. If you need a ride, please call the church office by Wednesday.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT ORLC
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services will be held Wednesday, December 24th at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
SHARING THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST TOGETHER
STAFF: Pastor Greg Stenzel, Senior Pastor
Mona Craft, Church Administrator
Celeste Lundblom, Ministry Coordinator
Gerald Reighard, Custodian
Gary Bickel, Financial Secretary
Christina Jungels, Treasurer
VOLUNTEERS
Ordean Erickson 9:00 AM Head Usher
Matthais Castro 9:00 AM Greeter
Todd Thompson/Randy Blotsky 9:00 AM PA
LeeAnn Hafele, Gary Bickel and
Merri Jo Hendrickson 9:00 AM Counters
Rick, Zona, Allison
and Janyce Bjornson
and friends of Heidi 10:00 AM Coffee Hosts
Matthew Johnson Bus Driver
CHRISTMAS AT OUR REDEEMER’S
To share a poinsettia to decorate the church at Christmas, please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office today. We will include this information in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
The Altar Guild has determined they will need approximately 12 plants for their decorating. They will be ordered from Country Floral at the cost of $13.00 each.
Because of the limited number of plants we plan to order, we would also encourage you to give a “Special Christmas Gift” in memory or in honor of someone where you might have purchased a poinsettia in years past. These gifts will also be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
_____I/We wish to purchase a poinsettia for the church.
_____I/We wish to give “A Special Christmas Gift.”
In memory of
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In honor of
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
From_________________________________________________
ORLC’S WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sun., Dec. 14 9:00 AM Choir Christmas Cantata
10:00 AM Coffee Fellowship/
Heidi Ryen Birthday Party
10:00 AM Sunday School
10:20 AM Adult Bible Study
No 11:00 Worship Service
Mon., Dec. 15 5:45 PM Worship and Music Committee
No Bell Choir
Tues., Dec. 16 9:00 AM Quilting
11:00 AM Adult Bible Study
7:00 PM Open AA Meeting
7:00 PM Trustees’ Meeting
7:15 PM Deacons’ Meeting
8:15 PM Church Council Meeting
Wed., Dec. 17 9:00 AM Assemble PRISM
10:30 AM Grace Circle @ Church
No Crosswalk, Youth Supper or
Confirmation Classes
6:30 – 8:00 PM 7th – 12th Grade Youth Christmas Dinner
Thurs., Dec. 18 9:30 AM Hope Circle @ Church
2:30 PM Caroling at Arbor House
4:00 PM Ruth Circle @ Church
No Choir
7:00 PM Open AA Meeting
Sat., Dec. 20 9:00 AM Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
10 AM-12 PM Sunday School Christmas Program
Practice – followed by Pizza
Sun., Dec. 21 9:00 AM Sunday School Christmas Program
10:00 AM Treats and Coffee served
following the Program
No Sunday School, Adult Bible Study,
11:00 AM Worship Service or POST