SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2024

 I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1

NEWS: Today we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. We’ll start with Bible study at 9 AM. Pastor Joel is finishing up our study in the book of Genesis for the next couple of weeks.

In our 10 AM worship the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “Pep Talk.” The basis is the Gospel reading, Mark 1:4-11 Our Old Testament lesson is Genesis 1:1-5 The Psalmody is taken from Psalm 29 Our Epistle comes from Romans 6:1-11

After the Eucharist is taken and our service closes, please join uis for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then come on over to the Pit Stop Diner to continue fellowship time.

We pray all can join us for part of their Sunday but for those unable to worship in person, we stream our service live. The link is here: www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside  Click on that, then click on the More dropdown arrow, then click Live. If you have a moment, please “Like” us and leave a brief comment about your online worship experience. Thank you! Also serving the Lord and our congregation today are:

Techies:  Ian Andrews, Darryl Finley

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  OPEN

Ushers:   Darryl Finley, Terry Reilly

Flowers:  Terry & Alba Reilly

Fellowship:  Terry & Alba Reilly

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Gail and Rick Adams in our prayers.

 COLLECT OF THE DAY: Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all whom are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, whom lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 READINGS: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-23

 Alleluia. You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased. Alleluia.

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

 WE HAVE TWO LIBRARIES AT CHURCH! One of them is in the back of our sanctuary. That has many books, DVD’s and (I believe) CD’s that are available to check out and return on the honor system. We also have our “Little Library” just inside the driveway to our parking lot. Please feel free to take a book or leave a book. The main focus is childrens or Christian material, but other, appropriate for a church setting, is acceptable.

Luther’s Morning Prayer

In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:

“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:

“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about you day joyfully!

Luther’s Evening Prayer

In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:

“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:

“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

Now you can go to bed quickly and cheerfully.

OTHER RESOURCES:

 Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/

 Below is our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside

Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/

 Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/

A very blessed Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.

 Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org