December 28th Bulletin, 2025 – Grace Lutheran Church

Grace Lutheran Church
Proclaiming the grace of Christ in Word and Sacrament

Feast of the Holy Innocents

✠ December 28th, 2025 ✠
3410 Community Church Road
Pfafftown, NC 27040

Feast of the Holy Innocents

December 28th, 2025

Our service begins with the ringing of bells. Please stand, as you are able, as indicated by *

Entrance Hymn: “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” LBW #50
Confession & Forgiveness

P: In the Name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit
C: Amen. Matthew 28:19

P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no
secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy
Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify Your holy name, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord:
C: Amen

P: Beloved in the Lord: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is
not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
Silence for reflection and 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 name. Amen.
P: Almighty God, in His mercy, has given His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, and for
His sake, He forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church
of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all
1

your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
C: Amen John 20:22

Introit

P: Out of the mouth of babes and | nursing infants,*
You have ordained strength because | of your enemies.
O | Lord our Lord,*
How excellent is your name | in all the earth.
C: Glory to the Father, and to the + Son, and to the | Holy Spirit,*
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be fore- | ver, Amen.
P: Out of the mouth of babes and | nursing infants,*
You have ordained strength because | of your enemies.

Psalm 8:1-2

Kyrie (chanted)
P: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy Mark 10:47
P: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the
Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy
P: 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
P: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and
praise, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy
P: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C: Amen.

Collect of the Day

P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you. Ruth 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:22
P: We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by the
order of King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent
victims, and by your great might, frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your
rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:15-17

15 Thus says the LORD: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter
weeping.Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her
children, because they are no more.” 16 Thus says the LORD: “Keep your voice from
weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the
LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. 17 There is hope for
your future, declares the LORD, and your children shall come back to their own
country.

L: This is the Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God

The Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you,
as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you
share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is
revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the
Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer
or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him
not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to
begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for
those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer
according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

L: This is the Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God

Please stand as you are able for the Holy Gospel

Gospel Acclamation
All: Alleluia, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia,
alleluia John 6:68
Gospel Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (verses 1-2) LBW #41
On Feast Days, the Holy Gospel is brought to the center aisle. The Gospel hymn will be divided before and after
the Holy Gospel.
A: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Saint Luke.
C: Glory to you, O Lord.
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

13 When {the wise men} had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to
Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt,
and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy
him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to
Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the
Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 Then Herod, when
he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and
killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years
old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in
Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused
to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 But when Herod died, behold, an
angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the
child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life
are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of
Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to
the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what
was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

A: This is the Gospel of our Lord
C: Praise to You, O Christ

Gospel Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (verses 3-4) LBW #41
Naomi’s Heart Mission Collection
Naomi’s Heart Mission is a mission in the Philippines that seeks to provide food and education to
children in need. Children are welcome to participate by taking a collection bucket from the back of the
worship space. To learn more about Naomi’s Heart, go to naomisheartmission.org/

Children’s Message
The Sermon Rev. Matt Knuppel
After the sermon, please stand for the Votum, the Post-Sermon benediction

The Votum
P: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus
C: Amen Philippians 4:7
Hymn: “Children of the Heavenly Father” LBW #474
Please remain standing for the Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed Romans 10:9-10
All: 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,
And the life of the world to come. Amen.

Installation of New Council Members
Today we welcome and install Tom Nuckols and William Anderson onto Grace Lutheran’s Church
Council.
Prayers of the Church
A: Lord, in your mercy
C: Hear our prayer
After the Prayers:
P: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your
abundant mercy through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
C: Amen

The Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: And also with you. John 20:19
Members of the gathered assembly are invited to greet one another, saying: “Peace be with you.”
Offertory
After the gifts have been collected from the assembly, please stand.
All: Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
And fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather the harvest from the seeds that were sown,
That we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all,
Unite them with our prayers we of er.
Grace our table with your presence,
And give us a foretaste of the feast to come.

Holy Communion Liturgy
P: Let us pray: Merciful Father…
C: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – ourselves,
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 Great Thanksgiving

P: The Lord be with you
C: And also with you
P: Lift up your hearts
C: We lift them to the Lord
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
C: It is right to give him thanks and praise

P: It is indeed right and salutary…we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord
Lord God of power and might:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Isaiah 6:3
Hosanna in the highest
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:9

The Words of Institution

P: Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father…For as often as we eat of this bread and
drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
C: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Matthew 26:26-28
P: Therefore, gracious Father, with this bread and cup, we remember the life our Lord
offered for us. And believing the witness of his resurrection, we await his coming in
power to share with us the great and promised feast. Revelation 19:9
C: Amen. Come, Lord, Jesus.
P: Send now, we pray, Your Holy Spirit, the spirit of our Lord and of his resurrection,
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. Colossians 1:19
C: Amen. Come, Holy Spirit
P: Join our prayers with those of your servants of every time and every place, and unite
them with the ceaseless petitions of our great high priest until he comes as victorious
Lord of all. Hebrews 4:14

Doxology

P: Through Him, with Him, and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and
glory is Yours, Almighty Father, now and forever,
C: Amen. John 14:6

The Lord’s Prayer

C: 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.
Matthew 6:9-13

Agnus Dei

C: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
Grant us peace, grant us peace. John 1:29
All who are baptized and share in our confession that we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in Holy
Communion are invited to the altar with us. After receiving the bread, those who wish to dip the bread into the
wine may proceed to the right chalice; those who wish to drink from the common cup may proceed to the left
chalice.
Anyone is welcome to come forward with their arms folded to receive a blessing from the minister.
After the celebration of Holy Communion, the minister will ask the assembly to stand
P: May the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in
his grace.

C: Amen

*Post-Communion Canticle

C: Thank the Lord and sing His praise
Tell everyone what He has done
Let everyone who seeks the Lord
Rejoice and proudly bear His name
He recalls His promises
And leads His people forth in joy
With shouts of thanksgiving
Alleluia, Alleluia
P: Let us pray…through Jesus Christ our Lord:
C: Amen

The Benediction
P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be
gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
C: Amen Numbers 6:23-26
Exit Hymn: “Let All Together Praise Our God” LBW #47
Dismissal

A: Go in peace, serve the Lord
C: Thanks be to God

Altar flowers are given to the glory of God

“What Is The Feast of the Holy Innocents?”

On the Feast of the Holy Innocents (also known as “Childermas”), the
Church remembers the infant children of Bethlehem who were slaughtered
by King Herod (Matt. 2:13-24).
Since the earliest days of the Church, these children have been honored as
first Christian martyrs; not by the confession of their mouth, but by the
shedding of their blood because of Christ, bearing witness to Him against
the violence of our world.

Within the 12 Days of the Christmas Season, the Feast of the Holy Innocents
stands out as a more somber celebration, recognizing the sadness and
longing for our departed loved ones that often accompanies this time of
year. We also take today to honor & pray for our children, recognizing our
responsibility to care for & protect them in this world.

Welcome to our Visitors!
Grace Lutheran Church welcomes you this morning! We value families with children
and encourage you to worship together; if you would like assistance during the
sermon, we have volunteers who will be happy to take your child to a Nursery Area
following the Children’s Message, they will return your child to you in the sanctuary
just before Holy Communion. Please fill out a Visitor Connect card, these are found
either on the entrance table or in the pew rack in front of you. Completed cards
should be placed in the offering plate and will be collected with the offering today.
Sunday School
All are welcome to attend the adult Sunday School class before worship beginning at
8:45. We are currently studying Early Church History.
Holy Communion
Those who are baptized and believe that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is truly
present in the forms of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation,
are welcome to the Lord’s Table. Please let the Pastor know that you wish to receive
this gift of life by holding out your open hands. If you desire to drink the wine from
the common cup, please proceed to the left chalice after receiving the wafer. If you
prefer to dip the wafer into the wine, please proceed to the right chalice after
receiving the wafer. You are encouraged to bring young children forward for a
blessing. The sign for a blessing is folded hands.

Disciples in Service today, December 28th
Ushers: Thierry Amar, Rob Maxey
Organist: John Trotta Lay Reader: Dorothea Clapper
Deacon: James Clapper Crucifer: Ruby Hurst
Acolyte: Roman Hurst
Servers: Nicole Hurst, Sherry Hurst
Altar Guild: Laura Knuppel

Disciples in Service next Sunday, January 4th
Ushers: Scott Barrett, John Kollmeyer
Organist: John Trotta Lay Reader: Debbie Voigt
Acolyte: James Clapper, Jr. Crucifer: Ashley Hurst
Servers: Laura Knuppel, Marc Voigt
Altar Guild: Debbie Barrett