December 14, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent
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Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 35:1-10
The desert blooms as God’s people return from exile
Psalm 146:5-10
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
James 5:7-10
Patience until the coming of the Lord
Matthew 11:2-11
The forerunner of Christ
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
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Worship Support
Presiding Minister: Pastor Chris Repp
Assisting Minister: Dennis Archer
Reader: Emily Dorsey
Deacon: Lois Wilken
Greeters: Dennis & Allison Archer
Ushers: Bruce & Alicia Winter
Livestreamer: Jim Anderson
Sound Technician: Kevin Vail
Music Director: Nicholas Pierle
Organist: Mike Keeley
Coffee Hour: Marlys Scarbrough & Chet Alwes
Chancel Flowers: Grace Schoedel, Glory to God
For the upcoming Worship Support schedule, see the spreadsheet found here on Google Drive.
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WEATHER NOTICE FOR THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025
The forecast for this weekend calls for ~5" of snowfall on Saturday followed by severe cold and windchill on Sunday. As a result, the area ELCA churches have postponed our rehearsal and concert from this weekend until next. Our Sunday service will proceed as scheduled, but please use appropriate caution before venturing out, and remember our livestream option. We will also continue with our plans for decorating the sanctuary following the service this week (see below.) If we can't get everything done, we'll finish up next week. Stay safe and warm!
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Please Note:
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URGENT NEED: The Grace Lutheran Food Pantry's client numbers have more than doubled over the past several weeks. The Pantry is putting out a call for donations of goods--in particular canned fruits and vegetables, beans, and peanut butter and jelly. Items can be dropped off in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday mornings, from 8-10am, from now through the month of December. Donations can also be left in the box in the front doorway vestibule M-F between 9am-2pm. Thanks!
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END OF THE YEAR GIVING TO GRACE: A friendly reminder that the end of the year is fast approaching. For Grace's accounting purposes, all donations for 2025 MUST be received on or before Sunday, December 28th. This is the last Sunday of the year, and all final donations will be processed & prepared for deposit that day. If you are mailing a donation, please mail it early enough in December for it to be received in the office prior to Christmas.
Please understand that any late-arriving checks that miss this December 28, 2025 deposit
deadline cannot be retroactively applied to your 2025 giving. (Even if your donation is dated in December 2025). We appreciate your understanding and planning ahead. Thank you, Gail Hug, Financial Secretary
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Thank You!
The Food Pantry and Social Ministry would like to thank our generous congregation for the donations of personal care items. Our Pantry patrons will receive a special Christmas gift in their box during the holiday season thanks to all of you.
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Greening of Grace!
We invite everyone to participate in the "Greening of Grace" immediately following worship on Sunday, December 14. On We will focus on the sanctuary this week. The more participants, the easier the tasks. Please mark your calendars and plan to help us "beautify" Grace for the Holiday Season and enjoy a time of fellowship as well.
Please reach out to Ruth Anderson or the Grace Lutheran Office with any questions!
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Free Advent Devotionals in the Narthex
Please choose an Advent Devotional that suits you and/or your Family. They can be found in the narthex, and are free as a gift from Grace Lutheran. Happy Advent Season!
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Grace Lutheran Game Nights in 2026
Gather with friends and enjoy an evening together! Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, from 6-8:00pm, a group meets for Games in the Narthex. The group gathers to enjoy each other's company and engage in card and board games. Mark your calendars! The next dates for Game Night are Thursday, January 8th and Thursday, January 22nd. If you are interested, please let Jim Fleming know. Come and join us, and feel free to bring along your favorite game!
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St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and Campus Center
is hiring an Office Administrator
"This is a part-time position for an individual who is detail oriented and committed to supporting a healthy ministry focused on the students at the University of Illinois.
This position focuses on the day to day operations of the ministry of St. Andrew’s, welcoming all who enter the space, and managing the use of the building. The Office Administrator will work closely with the Pastor to ensure the ministry is functioning behind the scenes. This position is on-site, generally 9:00 - 1:00pm daily, to establish regular office hours for St. Andrew’s."
Please contact the Grace Lutheran Church Office for the full job description and contact information for applications and resumes.
| | December 14 to December 21 | | | | 5:00pm Music Ministry Potluck (Narthex) | | | | |
7:00am Food Pantry Truck Delivery (Fellowship Hall)
10:00am Comrades of Art (Narthex)
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Choir Loft)
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10:00am Food Pantry (Fellowship Hall)
6:00pm Parish Life Committee Meeting (Zoom)
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9:15am Christmas Performance by the Mahomet-Seymour Madrigals Before the Sunday Service (Sanctuary)
9:30am Worship - In Person & Live Stream (Sanctuary)
12:00pm Women's AA (Hoffmeister Room)
1:00pm ELCA Advent Concert Preparation (Sanctuary & Choir Room)
4:00pm ELCA Advent Concert (Sanctuary)
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Prayer Requests
We have two formal ways of praying for one another at Grace. One is in the Sunday morning worship service, where we pray for people by name in the Prayers of Intercession. They will also be listed in the emailed and printed versions of GraceNotes, but not in the web version. Please send prayer requests for the Sunday-morning prayers to office@glccu.org. You may also submit prayer requests on our website at https://glccu.org/prayer-requests/.
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Using GLC Facilities
Our facilities are available for use by members and by outside groups. If you would like to use any part of the facility, please fill out a Facilities Use Request, found on the web site, and contact Karen in the office to ensure that it is on the calendar, so that the space is ready for you and that you are aware of how to adjust the appropriate thermostat.
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